Arabian Travel Market 2021 - Official Show Daily - Day 1

1 OCTOBER 2021 - 31 MARCH 2022

Part of

DAY 1

138 DAYS UNTIL EXPO 2020!

PAGE 18

S U N 1 6 M AY

In the frame

Welcome to Arabian Travel Market 2021 – the world’s first and largest in-person travel and tourism event since the onset of the pandemic.

Over the next four days, we’ll highlight topics that matter most to the industry, providing insight into the future of travel.

EXCLUSIVE UAE RESIDENTS STAYCATION SPECIAL

Immerse yourself in island bliss as you soak up the sun and sand at our private 400-metre beach with our Exclusive UAE Residents Staycation Special.

Revel in Thai hospitality with world-class service.

Package includes: • Save up to 20% on accommodation in any room or villa.

• Delicious a la carte breakfast for two persons at Crescendo or Revo Café.

• 25% savings at all our award-wining restaurants (In-Room Dining not included).

• 25% savings on selected activities.

• 25% savings at Anantara Spa. Terms and Conditions Apply.

To redeem the above offer use the promo code “LOCALS” To book your experience call +971 (04) 5678999 or email resdubaipalm@anantara.com.

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DAY 1 SUN 16 MAY

1 OCTOBER 2021 - 31 MARCH 2022 expo2020dubai.com

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HIGHLIGHTS

VIRTUAL & AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCES

EXPO ESSENTIALS 1/2 DAY ITINERARY

Experience innovative virtual reality gamification, technology and more.

UNIQUE CULINARY JOURNEYS

Try dishes that cater to your taste buds while also stimulating your mind.

CULTURAL & LIVE PROGRAMMES

Enjoy daily live entertainment from around the world.

VISIT A THEMATIC PAVILION

LISTEN TO MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

• Ride on the world’s largest passenger lift at Alif – The Mobility Pavilion

• Head towards the gardens of the iconic and unmissable Al Wasl Plaza

• Don’t forget to swing by your national pavilion

• Venture underneath a dense forest and see how trees communicate with each other in Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion

• Enjoy musical extravaganzas of all genres from around the planet, including world fusion, choirs and orchestral performances

• Choose from more than 190 pavilions, representing countries from around the world

• Join a voyage of self-discovery and make a difference in creating a better world at Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion

• Discover the magic and see immersive stunning shows on the world's largest 360-degree projection surface

Meet us at Hall 3, Stand ME-3110

EXPLORE 190+ COUNTRY PAVILIONS

• Enjoy National Day celebrations and cultural performances from across the globe

...and much more!

expo2020dubai.com

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AN EXPO FOR EVERYONE

1 OCTOBER 2021 - 31 MARCH 2022

Whoever you are, whatever you love, there is something for you at Expo 2020. With an extensive range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the next World Expo, make the most of tailored suggested itineraries for half-day, full-day or three-day visits, featuring a selection of highlights.

LEISURE ITINERARIES EXPO

EXPO

EXPO

Visit the world in one place. Your Expo journey will take through the latest innovations, international country cuisine and world-class entertainment.

Take your family on a journey filled with entertainment, interactive activities and educational experiences from all around the globe.

Join your partner on a trip around the world to create memories of a lifetime.

Whether you’re adventurous or romantic, Expo has something for everyone.

EXPO

EXPO

JOURNEY

JOURNEY

ESSENTIALS

THEMED ITINERARIES EXPO

FOR FOODIES

FOR FAMILIES

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

FOR COUPLES

HEALTH & WELLNESS

View architectural marvels and Country Pavilions designed by some of the world’s greatest architects, such as Foster + Partners, and Grimshaw Architects.

Discover the latest developments in the healthcare industry. Experiment with the latest technologies and best practices that supports the evolution of wellness.

EXPO

EXPO

EXPO

Experience the latest cutting-edge innovations with 200+ international participants showcasing their advancements in technology and innovation.

Explore how data, people and goods will move across industries and countries, and stay up to date with the latest international mobility innovations.

Learn about the enhancements in sustainable energy and technologies.

Explore the future of integrated energy solutions to build a better future

Dine around the world in the Country Pavilions and experience the future of food. Enjoy entertainment while sampling local and regional cuisine.

BUSINESS ITINERARIES FOR TECHIES & INNOVATORS

MOBILITY JOURNEY

Meet us at Hall 3, Stand ME-3110 expo2020dubai.com

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ENERGY JOURNEY

...and much more!

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Welcome

Welcome to the 28th edition Contents 08 | Exhibitor news of Arabian Travel Market

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market

Many travel professionals will want to forget 2020 and look toward 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism. Countries around the world, the UAE included, are now accelerating their vaccine rollouts and are preparing to reduce social and travel restrictions.

So, it is particularly pleasing to see you all here on-site, in person, at ATM 2021, as we embark along the road to recovery together.

The theme for this year’s show is ‘A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism’ which is a positive message and I sincerely hope that ATM 2021 will be a pivotal turning point for our industry throughout the Middle East. The theme will be integrated into all parts of the show – it will be our focus across the board.

Last year, ATM 2020 was the first major virtual travel

event worldwide and this year, ATM will be the first in-person event since the outbreak of the virus, continuing its tradition as a focal point for the Middle East’s tourism industry and at the forefront of digital travel.

In fact, technology was already making significant inroads into our industry prior to the pandemic and the guest or passenger experience is destined to become ever more automated. This is the ‘new normal’ and it is already here!

Moreover, travel and tourism have many features that go well beyond technology. On our Global Stage, key industry topics will be debated by a range of stakeholders, with one common goal, identifying the vertical sectors that have the greatest growth potential in 2021 and beyond.

To that end, the Global Stage will host a range of events, including dedicated forums on Saudi Arabia and China and the hotel industry summit, looking at the changing roles of hotels and the changing hospitality landscape.

There will also be an International Tourism & Investment Conference session, an aviation summit and a debate about influential women in tourism.

ATM is also a part of Arabian Travel Week, which is featuring exhibitions, conferences, breakfast meetings, awards, product

launches and networking opportunities for digital influencers and trade buyers.

In person on the show floor, 62 countries represented by main stand holders and sharers will be participating this year.

They include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Germany, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Italy, Greece, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Maldives, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico and the USA, to name but a few.

I would also like to salute Dubai and its extraordinary efforts to become one of the safest cities to visit in the world. Dubai’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety and its effective citywide management of the pandemic was awarded a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp and a strong endorsement from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Once ATM’s in-person event closes its doors, you’re invited to join us next week at ATM Virtual, from Monday, May 24 to Wednesday, May 26. To find out more, please visit our website.

Finally, on behalf of the ATM team, thank you for your support, we wish you a safe and successful event and together let us get international tourism moving again in the Middle East.

16 | In the spotlight

Highlights from ATM 2021 18 | Counting down to Expo

Only 138 days to go 19 | Summer in AlUla

Discover this historic Saudi city 20 | Seminar schedule 28 | Winds of change

Navigating the ‘new normal’ 34 | Destination profiles 38 | Vox pops 19

18

35

- Danielle Curtis Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market

Arabian Travel Market 2019

The Arabian Travel Market show dailies are published on behalf of:

Gateway House 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN, United Kingdom  +44 (0) 20 8271 2158,  arabian.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk  www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com The Arabian Travel Market logo, ATM and Hosted Buyer are trade marks of Reed Exhibitions Limited. RELX Group, RE symbol, Reed Exhibitions and Reed Travel Exhibitions are trade marks of RELX Group plc.

Published by: npimedia

PO Box 500573, Office 704, Executive Heights, Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 4243640 Email: enquiries@npimedia.com Web: www.npimedia.com

© Copyright The Arabian Travel Market show dailies are published by npimedia under licence from Reed Exhibitions Limited. The copyright in the design and content of the Arabian Travel Market show dailies is owned by npimedia, Reed Exhibitions Limited and its licensors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means – electronic, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior written permission of Reed Exhibitions Limited.

VISIT NPI AT STAND TT1024 All images from npimedia archive, Shutterstock Images or supplied

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EXCLUSIVE UAE RESIDENTS STAYCATION SPECIAL

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Immerse yourself in island bliss as you soak up the sun and sand at our private 400-metre beach with our Exclusive UAE Residents Staycation Special. Revel in Thai hospitality with world-class service.

Package includes: • Save up to 20% on accommodation in any room or villa.

• Delicious a la carte breakfast for two persons at Crescendo or Revo Café.

• 25% savings at all our award-wining restaurants (In-Room Dining not included).

• 25% savings on selected activities.

• 25% savings at Anantara Spa. Terms and Conditions Apply.

To redeem the above offer use the promo code “LOCALS”

To book your experience call +971 (04) 5678999 or email resdubaipalm@anantara.com.

ATM 2021_WELCOME - Version 2.indd 6

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7

Welcome

A warm welcome to ATM from Dubai Tourism

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

It is a great honour to welcome you once again to Dubai for Arabian Travel Market, a key fixture in the global travel and tourism calendar, and an invaluable opportunity for industry stakeholders and professionals to interact and conduct business.

More importantly, ATM will play a pivotal role in further strengthening the

sector in what has been one of the most challenging periods for global tourism, and we look forward to using it as a springboard to bring travel back to life.

As one of the first cities in the world to open its doors to global travellers with precautionary measures across the board and restart the international MICE industry under the guidance of our visionary leadership, Dubai’s hosting of ATM 2021 assumes greater significance as we are able to safely welcome back our partners and visitors to a physical setting in order to kick-start a healthy dialogue under a fitting theme – ‘A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism’.

Your health, safety and comfort during your stay in Dubai will be our number one priority with a wide range of precautionary protocols, reaffirming that we have put in place the highest health and safety standards across the city.

With the World Travel & Tourism Council endorsing Dubai as a safe destination by awarding the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp and with the UAE being ranked among the top five nations globally in terms of vaccine rollout, we are reassuring you that travel to Dubai is safe and you can continue to visit our city with confidence.

Apart from further bolstering trust in travel, this convergence of international tourism experts and establishments is truly a special moment for Dubai, as it is taking place during a landmark year for the destination – it will be hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, the first

World Expo to be held in this region, and celebrating the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.

I invite you not only to visit ATM, but to also take some time to discover the diversity of Dubai’s offering, spanning many leisure touchpoints, and also have a look at the safety and precautionary measures, including our own compliance initiative, the ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ stamp adopted across the city’s tourism ecosystem.

Indeed, making sure each visitor has the most positive and memorable

experience possible is at the heart of Dubai’s destination proposition.

Today, as we stand together confidently optimistic of our strength and resilience as an industry, I hope you enjoy the hybrid experience of Arabian Travel Market 2021. I wish everyone a successful and fruitful time here and a very successful year.

- Issam Kazim CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

Downtown Dubai

Tourism recovery takes the spotlight As Arabian Travel Market opens its doors today, it marks the first in-person edition of the event to take place since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

Also, for the first time in the event’s 28-year history, this year’s showcase runs as a hybrid event, with ATM Virtual set to take place a week later, which means that the conference programme will be delivered across both live and virtual platforms.

Reuniting travel and trade professionals from around the world, the show will focus on the central

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

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theme of tourism recovery. In keeping with the sweeping changes the world has witnessed since the coronavirus first started to show its face, the theme of ‘A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism’ has been aptly chosen.

Over the course of four days – and during ATM Virtual – industry experts will come together to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the global travel sector, highlight its current status and more importantly, look at how emerging trends and innovation can drive the industry forward and into a brighter future.

Travel in the ‘new normal’

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, said: “This year’s theme has never been more relevant nor important.

“This message of recovery will be integrated into all of the show verticals and planned activities. There will be a whole host of in-person seminars on ATM’s show floor specifically designed to support, inspire and innovate all travel and tourism professionals while looking at the latest trends in technology, sustainability and profiling the next generation of global travellers.”

The conference programme will address the latest developments in the global tourism industry, touching upon COVID-19 recovery, digital marketing, hospitality, aviation, responsible tourism, cultural tourism and business travel.

In addition to building the industry back, ATM 2021 will throw the spotlight on a host of topics, such as aviation, hotels and hospitality, responsible tourism and more.

Leading industry figureheads from around the world will discuss factors delivering the sector’s fastpaced recovery as well as its pivotal role as a cornerstone for sustainable economic growth, knowledge and cultural exchange, innovation, international collaboration and more.

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News

Rotana on track for further expansion in the Middle East Homegrown hospitality brand Rotana recently announced its three-year expansion plan, unveiling significant new additions to its burgeoning portfolio of hotels by 2023.

Comprising eight new developments in the region, Rotana will launch its properties in the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. The move will deliver more than 2,650 keys to the recovering hospitality industry in the Middle East.

Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO at Rotana, said: “Building on this momentum and leveraging our highly effective core business model, inherent operational strength and our sustainable blueprint for regional expansion, Rotana is well positioned for continued growth and success in 2021 and beyond.”

The expansion plan will see Rotana continue to consolidate its portfolio in the UAE as the company forecasts a positive year for the domestic industry.

“We are extremely confident that the UAE will remain one of the safest countries in the world for domestic and international travel. With the launch of the first federal domestic tourism campaign boosting the country’s local tourism contribution to more

than AED80 billion, coupled with the vigorous nationwide vaccine drive and steady growth in inbound tourism, the outlook for the industry is bright.”

In Dubai, Rotana signed a hotel management agreement, which will see the brand open a new property in 2023, adding 295 keys to the group’s number of residential and hospitality units in the emirate.

In Saudi Arabia, a five-star Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts property will be added to the Rotana portfolio in the third quarter of 2021. Located in Jubail, the 407-key property will represent the group’s eighth hotel operating in the kingdom.

Under its hybrid hotel and residence brand – Residences by Rotana – the group will launch a 483-key property in Bahrain’s capital city of Manama in 2022, offering branded residences for the long-stay market. Another option for long-stay travellers, Manama will also see the launch of the 220-key Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, with a planned opening date of 2023.

Rotana has also penned two deals in Qatar, with the aim of supporting the country’s vision to attract seven million visitors by 2030. The group recently took over the management of

Al Bandar Rotana - Creek

the 250-key Sedra Arjaan by Rotana, located in Doha, and also signed a hotel management agreement under the Centro Hotels brand, with a 350-key property set to open in 2023.

Further extending its footprint in the European side of Istanbul,

Rotana will also be managing two new properties in the city. Bomonti Arjaan

by Rotana and Bomonti Residences

by Rotana will offer 650 units to guests when it opens in 2022.

VISIT STAND HC0720

Germany to showcase tax-free shopping destination at ATM

Outletcity Metzingen

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Outletcity Metzingen will once again showcase its highlights at ATM 2021.

Exhibiting with the German National Tourist Board, this unique shopping destination in the southern region of Germany will offer attendees insight into the latest developments at the venue.

A tax-free shopping haven, Outletcity Metzingen offers visitors a choice of 130 premium and luxury brands, including the largest Hugo Boss outlet store in the world. Its unique set-up makes it a “true city of fashion” with flagship outlets housed amid the venue’s award-winning architecture.

Apart from the world-class shopping, Metzingen is also home to a historic town centre and is set amidst the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve, which was honoured by UNESCO in 2009 for its natural significance.

Developments taking shape at the destination include a new restaurant, Enzian Hoefe, which will open its doors this summer, and a new flagship outlet housing sports brand Adidas.

The venue will also debut its VIP shopping package for international

visitors, which will offer customers greater flexibility during their stay, additional discounts and other benefits.

Sales and Tourism Manager, Angela Rieger, said: “The GCC region is among our top five international source markets. During the summer months, people from the region love to visit us and enjoy our tax-free shopping.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Outletcity Metzingen was welcoming around 4.2 million visitors from around 185 countries per year. We hope that travel will be safe again and visitors can return soon. As travel connections are very good between the GCC and our airports in Munich and Frankfurt, we hope that guests from the GCC will soon be shopping at Outletcity Metzingen again.

“ATM is the platform to establish new connections with the travel trade and maintain relationships with existing partners. Our aim is to further establish Outletcity Metzingen as a destination for travellers from the GCC and a good add-on to any trip to southern Germany.”

VISIT STAND EU2350

5/12/21 12:08 AM

News

9

AlUla Old Town reopens to visitors

Elephant Rock

Following a three-year hiatus for extensive restoration and conservation work, AlUla Old Town has reopened to domestic visitors from Saudi Arabia.

The restored site is one of four significant heritage sites in AlUla, once the home of ancient civilisations in

the kingdom, dating back to the 10th century. It is now officially open as a year-round tourism precinct, offering a rich cultural experience to visitors from around the country and the world.

The town is estimated to have been established in the 12th century

and was inhabited from then until the 1980s. For almost 40 years after the last residents left in favour of more modern housing, the site continued to remain open to its former residents and visitors. However, over the years, environmental damage took its toll.

In 2017, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) decided to close the site to visitors and announced restoration plans, which have since then focused on remedial conservation in accordance with UNESCO principles and international standards for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites.

The latest phase of the project commenced in November 2019 and the conserved area is now open to visitors.

The Incense Road running adjacent to the town has also been activated and is now a vibrant area for shopping, eating and entertainment. Once fully complete, it will offer more dining options, an extensive marketplace, family entertainment and a handicrafts pavilion.

Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer, RCU, said: “AlUla Old Town is an important chapter in AlUla’s journey through time. The site is key to the understanding, continuity and evolution of the historic routes for trade and pilgrimage that made AlUla such a significant destination until the 20th century as it is for visitors again today.”

VISIT STAND ME4410, ME4440, ME4408

We missed you!

Meet us at ATM on stand HC0720.

At Rotana, we believe time well spent, is a life well lived. This enduring thought is at the heart of every experience we promise when you stay with us.

Our distinct collection of brands include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Centro Hotels, Resorts and Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana and The Residences by Rotana.

Transform moments into memorable experiences as we present a selection of diverse destinations, ideal for every journey.

To find out more, visit rotana.com Treasured time. Our promise to you.

P.O. Box 95100, Abu Dhabi, UAE. T: +971 (0) 2 699 4444 F: +971 (0) 2 699 4445, head.office@rotana.com

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News

Visit Maldives launches “I’m Vaccinated” tourism campaign Maldives

Maldives

Visit Maldives, together with the Ministry of Tourism, launched its “I’m Vaccinated” campaign to share a positive message regarding the vaccination of staff working in the tourism sector.

This new strategy aligns with the initiatives undertaken to ensure that the Maldives remains one of the safest destinations in the world for travellers.

Under this campaign, the Maldives aims to become the first fully vaccinated tourism sector in the world. Thanks to the unique geographical formation of the islands, the country naturally offers physical distancing, which is a boon for the post-pandemic era. In addition, stringent health and safety measures have been in place since the country first

reopened to tourists in 2020 after the first phase of global lockdowns. Now, a fully vaccinated tourism sector will become an added advantage, encouraging tourists to visit the destination.

During the announcement, Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, praised the effort and hard work of the staff serving in the Maldivian health and

tourism industries and stated that being able to provide vaccines to members in the tourism sector was a huge accomplishment. Over 65 percent of the eligible Maldivian population has received the vaccine and over 90 percent of the eligible tourism industry is vaccinated.

Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Thoyyib Mohamed stated that the purpose of the “I’m Vaccinated” campaign was to promote vaccination for all members in the tourism industry and for the Maldives to have the first fully vaccinated tourism industry in the world.

Through its efforts, the country hopes that the campaign will uplift the destination’s status in the global market and reassure travellers that the Maldives will remain one of the safest destinations to travel to during the pandemic.

VISIT STAND AS3350

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

by Anantara boosts sustainability efforts Staying true to its sustainable luxury ethos, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara has launched a host of new initiatives. The resort’s efforts have earned it a Gold status in the Green Growth Awards, which cover a wide range of CSR goals, from environmental stewardship to health and safety.

The resort has completely phased out plastic water bottles, replacing them with biodegradable bottles made from corn which degrades in 80 days. Recycled in biodegradable bins, it either goes to composting or is reused to make new plant resin bottles.

This builds on its 2018 milestone of going 100 percent plastic straw free.

Solar panels have been installed at the property and the harnessed energy is used for laundry requirements and the provision of hot water in all guest rooms and villas.

The move helped reduce the use of electricity by up to 80

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percent and save an estimated 97,000 kilowatt-hours per month.

Making strides towards zero waste, the kitchens at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara now make their own compost for the on-site vegetable greenhouse and herb gardens, which in turn supply organic produce for signature items on the menu.

The resort now also uses 100 percent of its grey water to irrigate its gardens, while cardboard, oil, paper and bars of soap are all recycled.

Guests staying at the resort are also encouraged to do their part to help protect the environment through various programmes for smart water and power usage. To further encourage responsible travel, visitors arriving in electric cars will find complimentary car charging stations at the resort, which have recently been installed.

VISIT STAND HC0630

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

5/12/21 12:08 AM

News

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Yas Island theme parks introduce FacePass

Yas Island

Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of visitor experiences, announced that Yas Island is on track to become a fully contactless destination through the adoption of FacePass.

This cutting-edge contactless technology is part of Miral’s digital transformation strategy for Yas Island.

Rolled out in phases across the island, it will streamline guest experiences using facial recognition, with the theme parks on Yas Island leading the way as the first attractions in the region to adopt FacePass. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, said:

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“We are thrilled to be pioneering the adoption of FacePass technology within the regional leisure and entertainment industry and delivering on our promise of creating a world-class wall-less destination using the latest technology.

“The theme parks will be the first in the region to implement complete contactless access and payment solutions. This cutting-edge functionality is in line with our digital transformation strategy and a testament to achieving our vision of positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for entertainment, leisure and business.”

Set to become the latest trend in the in-destination experience industry, this kind of contactless technology is the future for all consumer-facing businesses. Not only does it save time and provide unrivalled convenience, it largely enhances guest safety and wellbeing through touchless interaction.

Theme park guests can expect a fully integrated experience as the technology is facilitated by the Yas Island mobile app and linked to the ticketing systems and turnstiles at the parks, allowing guests and annual pass holders contactless access at points of entry and contactless

payment via facial recognition across select retail and dining outlets.

This roll-out also includes wristbands for guests of Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, which they can use to unlock their hotel rooms, access the theme parks and more with just a simple touch.

The long-term digital transformation for Yas Island will see FacePass technology integrated into all of Yas Island’s assets, from access points for residential and communal areas to retail and dining destinations.

VISIT STAND ME2250, ME2115

5/12/21 12:09 AM

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News

Red Sea Development Company secures first-ever riyal-denominated Green Finance credit facility The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, announced that it has closed a US$3.76 billion term loan facility and revolving credit facility with four Saudi banks.

The company also achieved Green Financing accreditation, thanks to its standard-setting approach to regenerative tourism as well as for its social and environmental sustainability efforts. The financing is the first riyaldenominated credit facility to receive Green Financing accreditation.

John Pagano, CEO, TRSDC, said: “The scale of this project is unmatched anywhere in the world and we are setting new standards in regenerative tourism at every turn. By applying a unique approach to design, utilising more sustainable methods of construction and using groundbreaking technology, we are not only reducing our impact on the environment but also helping to deliver on our commitment to achieve a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040. It is this pioneering approach that has helped us secure the first-ever riyal-denominated Green Finance credit facility.

“We aim to lead the international luxury tourism industry’s transformation into a more sustainable model, including environmental and social sustainability.

This Green Finance classification is proof that we are setting new standards in ecotourism and showing the industry that things can be done in a different way both here in the kingdom and globally.”

Hospitality Management Holding appoints new COO

Michael Zager

Homegrown group Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has named Michael Zager as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Industry veteran Zager, who has previously worked with IHG Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotel Group, brings with him a strong track record of portfolio growth across the hospitality world.

In 30 years of his hospitality career, he has proven his proficiency in hotel management by driving growth through the leadership roles he has held. Not only has he overseen several hotel launches across the UAE but he also helped develop successful hotel operating procedures.

Founded in Dubai in 2003, HMH has a strong portfolio of properties across various brands, including Bahi Hotels & Resorts, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels.

The Red Sea Project

Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea Project will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.

The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment and leisure facilities. It has already passed significant milestones and work is on track to welcome the first guests by the end of 2022 when the international airport and the first hotels will open.

VISIT STAND ME4410, ME4440, ME4408

John Pagano

VISIT STAND HC0530

Shurayrah Island, The Red Sea Project

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5/12/21 12:09 AM

News

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v

DISCOVER A WORLD OF LUXURY AT YOUR ADDRESS Experience premium lifestyle hospitality within iconic locations with luxury, style and elegance. Marvel at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa from your room, be mesmerised to the dance of the Dubai Fountain, magical sunrises over our beach resort, find a shopaholics haven at The Dubai Mall and lots more.

Unwind in one of our impeccable suites, relish your appetite with an array of award winning restaurants or visit The Spa for sheer rejuvenation and relaxation. With distinguished entertainment and retail at our doorstep, this is where your family will feel at home with ours.

For more information visit ADDRESSHOTELS.COM

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5/12/21 12:09 AM

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News

The View at the Palm is now open Developed by Nakheel, the View at the Palm, an observation deck that showcases a 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah, is now open to the public.

Visitors can purchase their tickets and experience Palm Jumeirah like never before while learning more about the history of this man-made island at multiple immersive touchpoints.

The View will be part of the larger Palm Tower development, which is set to open in October this year. The tower will be home to The View Exhibition, which will encompass a timeline of the Palm Jumeirah project, along with interactive aquarium tunnels and a gift shop.

Visitors can also experience an immersive theatre that takes them through the groundbreaking history of the island. Towering 240 metres over Palm Jumeirah, level 52 holds the observation deck, which promises spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai skyline and the island.

Omar Khoory, Chief Assets and Hospitality Officer, Nakheel, said: “20 years ago, Nakheel embarked on a journey to bring the vision of Palm Jumeirah to life and today, we celebrate its growing success story by launching the View at the Palm. As Nakheel continues to add innovative destinations to its ever-growing retail portfolio, we hope that these experiences will inspire wonder to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.”

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: “The View at the Palm marks

The View at the Palm

The Palm Tower

another major milestone for Dubai’s tourism industry and adds to the city’s range of diverse offerings that residents and visitors can enjoy.

“The significance of the solid relationships that we have built over the years with our stakeholders and partners like Nakheel is clearly evident in the construction of this new landmark on the world-renowned Palm Jumeirah, providing visitors the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s safest cities.”

The View at the Palm also offers an exclusive VIP lounge that spans 120 square metres and features an outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the island, sea and city.

VISIT STAND ME3110, ME3140, ME2520

Mauritius to provide free vaccines to long-term visitors The government of Mauritius announced that it will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to long-term visitors. The move establishes the island nation as the first country in the world to include travellers for free in its inoculation drive.

To be eligible to receive the OxfordAstraZeneca Covishield vaccine in Mauritius, visitors must be above the age of 18 and hold a premium visa. The move to offer free vaccines to travellers follows the country’s decision to allow visitors to renew their premium visas for free.

The premium visa allows international visitors to spend up to a year in the country and renew the term at no further cost. To qualify for the visa programme, visitors are required to book their stay for no less than 180 days.

Confirmed flight tickets to the republic and proof of adequate health insurance will also be required to successfully complete the application process.

Located off the eastern coast of Africa and surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Mauritius relies heavily on tourism as one of the mainstays of its economy. In the wake of the

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pandemic, the country rolled out the Mauritius Premium Visa programme to attract digital nomads, remote working professionals and retirees.

The expanded vaccination drive is part of the island nation’s national campaign to allow for a complete reopening of its international borders.

On May 1, 2021, Mauritius announced an easing of confinement, allowing public spaces to reopen as well as a number of public activities and the use of public transport to resume. The tourism industry, however, is preparing for the reopening of borders later this year.

VISIT STAND AS3012

Mauritius

Mauritius

5/12/21 12:10 AM

News

Emaar debuts first Vida resort in Umm Al Quwain

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Armani Hotel Dubai presents first-ever kosher restaurant Following the historic peace treaty between the UAE and Israel in 2020, Armani Hotel Dubai became the first hospitality brand in the emirate to launch a kosher dining venue.

To cater to the influx of visitors from Israel that the city witnessed in the months following the signing of the Abraham Accords, the restaurant – Armani/Kaf – led the way in establishing dining services for Jewish travellers.

Armani/Kaf specialises in kosher cuisine that complies with Jewish dietary laws. The venue is currently operated under the supervision of Rabbi Levi Duchman, Rabbi of the UAE, who has certified the venue with Glatt Kosher and Pas Yisroel certifications from the Emirates Kosher Supervising Agency, the only UAE-based kosher certification authority.

Thomas Peruzzo, General Manager, Armani Hotel Dubai, said: “As a market leader in establishing services for Jewish travellers, we look forward to developing further relationships with Israeli visitors.”

VISIT STAND HC0120

Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain

Homegrown hospitality giant, Emaar Hospitality Group, launched its first resort under the Vida Hotels and Resorts brand in Umm Al Quwain.

Located on the beachfront of the UAE’s least populated emirate, Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain adds 135 keys to the emirate’s local hospitality scene. The new resort is also pet-friendly, plugging the gap in the animal-friendly hotel market in the UAE. Each of the 135 rooms and suites at the resort feature sleek furnishings, advanced in-room technology,

complimentary Wi-Fi access and a 24-hour concierge service. The hotel also offers eight chalets, all located on the beach, featuring a spacious living room, two bedrooms and a private outdoor area.

Dining outlets at the resort include Stage2, Origins and SoCal, serving an array of global flavours, while leisure facilities include extensive options for water sports, beach access, an expansive pool and a spa.

VISIT STAND HC0120

Origins, Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain

Thomas Peruzzo

Flydubai marks 10th year of participation in ATM Hamad Obaidalla

Flydubai

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Dubai-based carrier, Flydubai, is celebrating 10 years since the airline first participated in Arabian Travel Market.

Since commencing operations on June 1, 2009, the carrier has gone from strength to strength and the pandemic has not slowed down its momentum.

In 2012, Flydubai participated for the first time in ATM, showcasing its innovations and expanding global network across its two-storey stand.

And this year, during the event’s 28th edition, the carrier will throw the spotlight on its COVID-19 safety protocols.

Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer, Flydubai, said: “ATM is an important event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. We are delighted to be back at the show as this marks our 10th year participating in ATM. “At our stand, we look forward to showcasing some of the newest destinations to join our network and to sharing with visitors the COVID-19 precautionary measures that we

have implemented throughout our customer journey.”

The airline will also highlight the return of the Boeing 737 MAX to the skies. “With our Boeing 737 MAX aircraft approved to return to the skies, we are reintroducing the product, which includes a spacious lie flat bed in business class, an ergonomically designed seat in economy class and in-flight entertainment with full HD touchscreens.”

This year also marks the third anniversary of Holidays by Flydubai, the group’s holidays division, which was announced at the 2017 edition of Arabian Travel Market.

VISIT STAND ME2410

5/12/21 12:10 AM

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ATM 2021 Highlights

In the spotlight

Arabian Travel Market 2021 highlights the future of the travel industry, championing new and innovative ways to enable a strong comeback for the sector in response to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic Arabian Travel Market (ATM) opens its doors today as the first in-person edition of the annual event to take place since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Also, for the first time in the 28-year history of the show, ATM 2021 is running as a hybrid event, with the live exhibition welcoming visitors to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) over the next four days and ATM Virtual taking place next week.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, this year’s edition of the show is especially significant in order to enable a strong comeback for the industry. The carefully curated programme aligns with the theme of ‘A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism’ chosen for this year. Therefore, the raft of talks, seminars, launches and networking events will address everything from the visitor experience in-destination in a post-pandemic world to the advancement of travel technology and the recovery of aviation.

FINGER ON THE PULSE Supporting this year’s theme, the conference programme addresses the latest developments in the global tourism industry, touching upon COVID-19 recovery, digital marketing, hospitality, aviation, responsible tourism, cultural tourism and business travel.

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On Monday, May 17, ATM 2021 hosts the inaugural ATM Saudi Arabia Tourism Summit, which brings together key stakeholders that are fast-tracking the kingdom’s socioeconomic transformation through groundbreaking tourism initiatives.

On the agenda for discussion are the challenges and opportunities as the kingdom meets its ambitions, in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030, and evolves into a unique global destination for travellers around the world, which will continue during the virtual event.

This year’s edition of ATM is especially significant in order to enable a strong comeback for the industry

ATM 2021 also sees the return of the ATM Hotel Industry Summit, taking place for the second time on Tuesday, May 18. The conference will see industry leaders discussing local and global trends shaping the region’s hospitality sector in a post-pandemic world.

A WEEK IN TRAVEL Arabian Travel Week made its debut during the 2019 edition of ATM and returns this year, starting today, May 16 and running until May 26, 2021.

The four-day ATM 2021 once again plays an integral role in Arabian Travel Week, a 10-day festival of travel and tourism events taking place in Dubai and online. Other events that are part of Arabian Travel Week include the travel technology exhibition Travel Forward, ARIVAL Dubai for the tours and attractions sector, GBTA’s halfday virtual business travel conference, ITIC’s Middle East Tourism Investment Summit, speed networking events for digital influencers and regionally focused buyer groups, including China, and, of course, ATM Virtual, the online edition of the ATM exhibition.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, said: “This festival of events is dedicated to travel professionals from all over the world to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

“Essentially, Arabian Travel Week will provide a pivotal platform for the region’s travel and tourism industry, whether participating in-person at the event or virtually. Over the course of 10 days, it will put a spotlight on Dubai, the UAE, GCC and, of course, the wider MENA region’s tourism sector.”

TIME FOR TECH Travel has never been as inspiring and complex as it is today. With the pent-up desire to explore the world and reach new places – as safely and securely as possible – the reliance on technology has increased drastically.

This means that there is ample potential

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5/12/21 12:13 AM

ATM 2021 Highlights

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1, 2, 3 & 4 Navigating the ‘new normal’

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for businesses to tap into these trends and leverage new technologies to create new experiences for customers.

At the inaugural edition of Travel Forward, taking place alongside the live show, technology providers and decision makers from around the globe will highlight the latest advancements in travel and hospitality. Attendees can expect insights, open debate, unrivalled networking opportunities and discussions on the latest technologies and trends that will shape the future of travel.

VIRTUAL PERSPECTIVES To complement the four-day in-person event taking place this week, ATM’s first new hybrid format will see the virtual show running a week after the live event in order to reach a wider audience than ever before.

ATM Virtual, which made its debut last year, proved to be a resounding success attracting 12,000 online attendees from 140 countries around the world.

This year, from May 24 to 26, ATM Virtual will feature comprehensive

ATM 2021_FEATURE_Highlights.indd 17

webinars, live conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking events, virtual digital influencers’ speed networking sessions, one-to-one meetings and destination briefings.

The programme will help facilitate new connections and offer a wide range of online business opportunities.

Like most aspects of travel, the in-destination industry is also constantly evolving, with rapid technological innovations and traveller behaviour leading the change. This makes it crucial to highlight the trends defining the market, which will be addressed at ARIVAL Dubai, a highlight on the week’s agenda for ATM Virtual.

ARIVAL Dubai will feature a series of sessions covering current and future trends for operators of tours and attractions. It will assemble leading voices from across the region to help the industry chart a path of resilience and resurgence in 2021 and beyond.

The three-day programme will also feature interviews with leading airline CEOs, responsible tourism sessions, a showcase on tourism in Saudi Arabia, culture tourism sessions and the ATM Hotel Industry Summit.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade

organisation, will also be participating in ATM Virtual for the first time. The GBTA will deliver the latest business travel content, research and education to drive the post-pandemic recovery and support growth in business travel.

SAFETY FIRST The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has recognised Dubai’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety in the midst of COVID-19.

The council has lauded the emirate’s efforts and effective citywide management of the pandemic with a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp.

This makes Dubai one of the safest cities in the world to visit with a wide range of precautionary measures in place to ensure the safety of tourists at every stage and touchpoint of their travel journey, from arrival to departure.

In keeping with these standards, ATM 2021 strictly adheres to all of DWTC’s stringent health and safety guidelines.

Exhibitors and attendees can expect a touchless and seamless experience.

A range of measures has been implemented at the venue to include an enhanced cleaning regime, improved air circulation and multiple hand sanitiser stations.

5/12/21 12:13 AM

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Special Feature - Expo 2020 Dubai

Counting down to a once-in-a-lifetime celebration With less than five months to go until Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors on October 1, 2021, the world has its sights set on the Arab world’s biggest event yet The countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai is gaining momentum and the excitement is building. With less than five months to go until the next World Expo opens its doors on October 1, 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai is on track to host an exceptional six-month celebration.

Visitors to Dubai’s biggest event yet can expect to be amazed, entertained and inspired as the show shines a light on the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world.

ADAPTING TO THE NEW NORMAL When the pandemic showed no sign of ceasing, many participating countries expressed a need to postpone the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Following the consequent vote to support this request, all of Expo’s 200-plus participants remain committed to the show, making it the most inclusive Expo in history with attendance from more than 190 countries.

Expo 2020 Dubai will mark the first and the largest event ever to be held in the Arab world. It will also be the first mega event of its kind to be hosted amid the global crisis. It will, therefore, be ideally placed to welcome a world that is more resilient and unified in purpose.

Expo 2020 Dubai has demonstrated that it is ready to fully open its doors to the world after safely and successfully welcoming more than 100,000 visitors to experience Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion.

During the limited-time showcase, which ran from January 22 until April

10, 2021, the site’s health and safety practices – from social distancing and capacity controls to on-site rapid testing for staff and vendors – were highlighted.

According to the Expo Pavilions Premiere Satisfaction Survey, following their visit, guests ranked on-site health and safety precautions above eight on a scale of one to nine, highlighting Expo’s preparedness to safely host the world amid the pandemic.

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BUILT TO LAST Much progress has been made since Dubai’s bid to host the next World Expo was successful in 2013.

All permanent Expo-led construction at the 4.38-square-kilometre site in Dubai South was completed in 2019. In February 2020, the Expo Entry Portals, positioned at each of the arrival plazas, were unveiled. A new road network and a Dubai Metro extension that is capable of seamlessly transporting passengers to the Expo grounds has been established, with the Expo station also inaugurated.

Work on the Thematic Pavilions, Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion, has been completed and the exhibitions installed.

1 Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion 2 Expo Pavilions Premiere

A rich programme of events and entertainment is planned, enabling visitors to explore the whole world in one place

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As the countdown marches on, the landscape within the Public Realm continues to take shape.

More than 340 different species of plants, shrubs and trees native to the region have been selected to beautify the spaces in between the buildings at the site.

ON THE AGENDA When it opens its doors in less than 20 weeks, Expo will bring together some of the world’s brightest minds with programmes and platforms for knowledge sharing, business opportunities, networking and dialogue.

This includes 11 Thematic Weeks, which will allow visitors to discover new

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perspectives, challenge existing thinking, form new partnerships and ultimately help create a blueprint for the future.

The three Thematic Pavilions will use storytelling and gamification to inspire positive change among guests while dedicated spaces, such as the Women’s Pavilion – a collaboration between Expo 2020 and Cartier – will celebrate female change-makers around the world.

A rich and diverse programme of events and entertainment is also planned, including National Day celebrations for participating nations, enabling visitors to explore the whole world in one place.

VISIT STAND ME3110, ME3140, ME2520

5/12/21 12:15 AM

AlUla - Exhibitor Profile

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A new taste of summer in AlUla With a host of experiences, from outdoor adventures to cultural activities, AlUla has curated an exclusive offering in time for summer The north-west of Saudi Arabia attracted people who came to take advantage of the abundant resources offered by its fertile oases for thousands of years.

AlUla was one of them and became a vital crossroads along the incense trade routes running from southern Arabia to Egypt and beyond.

With oases dotting the area, it offered a much-needed respite for weary travellers, becoming a popular place to rest, commune and recharge. Today, the enigmatic tombs and detailed facades found here in ruins serve as lasting reminders of a civilisation that once was.

Conservation and preservation efforts are still underway at the site yet AlUla is open to visitors, who come to discover the history and heritage of this ancient land. When Saudi Arabia closed its borders in response to the pandemic, domestic tourism flourished in the 3

kingdom with AlUla leading the way, inviting residents to discover its charms.

Now as the kingdom prepares to welcome the world once again, AlUla has plenty in store for families and world travellers. With a host of experiences, from outdoor adventures in the vast desert to cultural activities, AlUla has curated an exclusive offering, just in time for summer.

1 Stargazing in AlUla 2 Incense Road, AlUla Old Town 3 Hegra

AlUla is of immense significance to Saudi’s cultural tourism scene 2

Visit Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site The ancient desert city of Hegra became the kingdom’s first to be inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008. It is home to thousands of tombs cut into sandstone mountains, which make for a stunning sight. Join a site tour, which will be conducted daily in summer at appropriate times to avoid the midday heat.

Explore the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Dadan The area of Dadan was once just a basin covered in dust and sand. Today, it is a live excavation site and archaeologists are discovering more and more about this little known era in Arabian history every day. A tour can take you around the site to explore the magnificent stone building remnants of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, followed by Jabal Ikmah’s open-air library of rock inscriptions in ancient languages.

Walk around Old Town with a rawi Nothing brings the stories of antiquity to life quite like a tour with a rawi, who is an Arabic storyteller and guide leading tours around the Old Town of AlUla. His valuable insights make exploring the labyrinth of mud-brick buildings, which date back as early as the 12th century right through to the 20th century, even more fascinating. At the Old Town Market, visitors can sample local cuisine and even shop for traditional finds.

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Gaze into the night sky Far from city lights, some of the world’s most enviable dark skies can be found in the remote desert lands of AlUla. Against the backdrop of the dramatic rock formations found in this north-western corner of Saudi Arabia, the landscape lends itself to spectacular stargazing experiences.

Hike across AlUla’s canyons AlUla offers adventure seekers an opportunity to embark on a night hike through the mystical canyons of Al Madakheel and Sharaan Nature Reserve with the chance to discover local flora, fauna and rock art under the desert’s starry skies. For an up-close view of the town’s unique topographical landscape, the Hidden Valley night hike is an immersive 90-minute journey through one of AlUla’s most secluded and enchanting canyons.

VISIT STAND ME4410, ME4440, ME4408

5/12/21 12:18 AM

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Seminar Schedule - ATM Global Stage

ATM Global Stage SUNDAY 16TH MAY 12.00 -13.00 OPENING SESSION - TOURISM FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE With 2021 ushering a new dawn for travel and tourism, leading industry figureheads from around the world discuss factors delivering the sector’s fast-paced recovery as well as its pivotal role as a cornerstone for sustainable economic growth, knowledge and cultural exchange, innovation, international collaboration and more.

Moderator: Becky Anderson, Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi & Anchor Speakers: HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General – Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC & Former SecretaryGeneral, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics Middle East, Dubai, Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director, Maldives Tourism Board 14.00 - 15.00 TOURISM BEYOND COVID RECOVERY Tourism ministers and key industry

stakeholders from the Gulf, Israel and Southern Europe, discuss the vast travel and tourism opportunities presented by the potential return of mass leisure tourism, medical and educational travel, business events and beyond that, crosscultural exchange and collaboration.

Moderator: Becky Anderson, Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi & Anchor Speakers: Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Minister of Tourism for Israel, HE Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises for the UAE, HE Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority 16.00 - 17.00 2021 ATM CHINA TOURISM FORUM China has been a major source market for many MENA destinations and, of course, the largest outbound market since 2012 for other parts of the world, too.

Ever since May 2020, China experienced a fast recovery of travel and tourism and saw a total of 637 million trips during the Golden Week holiday at

the beginning of October when domestic flights and hotels experienced a level of traffic surpassing that of 2019.

2021 began with great hope as more and more destinations, including Dubai, had already vaccinated a significant number of their local populations to enable the destinations COVID-19 safe.

These places now wish to welcome many of the high spending Chinese visitors back to their destinations.

Also, with Expo 2020 Dubai taking place in the emirate, many Chinese outbound tour operators have been preparing to send many more Chinese tourists to Dubai and the surrounding destinations prior to, during and after the event. Therefore, the ATM China Tourism Forum provides a timely opportunity for DMOs and DMCs as well as other incoming service providers, from airlines to attractions and accommodation providers, to meet with the invited Chinese outbound tour operators and corporate travel organisers, who are eager to find new suppliers and local incoming partners.

A number of respected panellists, representing both DMOs and the Chinese outbound travel trade, will

share their experience in attracting and catering to Chinese visitors prior to, during and post COVID-19. The ATM China Tourism Forum will also highlight the latest trends of outbound travel from China as well as the best way of meeting such growing demand.

Therefore, at ATM 2021, a host of DMOs, DMCs and other tourism service and product suppliers as well as hosted buyers and trade visitors from China are welcome to attend and meet new and existing partners at ATM China Tourism Forum.

Moderator: Christina Liu, MC, Seeniun Media Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC & Former Secretary-General, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Dr. Adam Wu, CEO, CBN Travel & MICE and World Travel Online, HE Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Helen Shapovalova, Founder, Pan Ukraine, Sumathi Ramanathan, Vice President, Market Strategy & Sales at Expo 2020 Dubai

Arabian Travel Market 2019

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5/12/21 3:02 PM

ATM Global Stage - Seminar Schedule

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Arabian Travel Market 2019

MONDAY 17TH MAY 10.30 - 11.30 SECTOR COLLABORATION Recovery and ongoing resilience demand that sectors work more closely together than ever before. Domestically and internationally, the government and the private sector are called on to work collaboratively not only for the public good but also to ensure travel rebounds, in turn boosting economies.

Our speakers will share how sectors need to work together for the collective good.

The session will start with an interview with the Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for the Arab Republic of Egypt.

It will delve into how collaboration developed between all the ministries during the pandemic, what the recipe is for other countries to follow to ensure destinations and their visitors have the best possible experience.

What are the difficulties that seem to have governments responding in disparate ways? Will the private sector lead us to recovery?

Moderator: Sarah Hedley Hymers, Editorial Director, JMG, Middle East Speakers: Richard Quest, Anchor and Correspondent, Editor-at-Large, CNN, Madame Ghada Shalaby, Vice Minister for Tourism at The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities - Arab Republic of

Egypt, Clive Bourke, President, DAON, EMEA and APAC, Dr. Edem Adzogenu, Co-Founder, AfroChampions, Kashif Khaled, Regional Director, Airport Passenger Cargo Security & Facilitation, Africa & Middle East, Stephanie Boyle, Head of Industry and Partner Communications, Skyscanner, Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf, Scott Hume, Senior Vice President, Operations, Global Rescue 12.30 - 13.30 AVIATION – THE KEY TO RESTORING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, RESTORING CONFIDENCE, GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, BUILDING BUSINESS Aviation has been shell-shocked by the impact of COVID-19 but with the pent-up demand for restriction-free travel, how can the aviation industry help the travel industry bring about recovery?

Experts will discuss a range of issues including: how airlines are deciding on which routes to restart and with the Middle East region being hit particularly badly, how can governments help?

Many are already reviewing disjointed regulation, but what more can they do?

What is the future like for long haul destinations with analysts reportedly predicting a slower return for widebody long-haul aircraft? Could private

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aviation and other on-demand charter companies carve out a niche for a more inclusive offer for the travelling public?

Inevitably profitability will determine the strategy many airlines adopt, but how will that affect low cost carriers and full service carriers and in terms of sustainability.

How can airlines afford to embrace a more environmental corporate culture and still remain profitable and competitive? Will environmentally-conscious passengers be more forgiving initially?

Moderator: Phil Blizzard, Presenter - Producer, TV & Radio Speakers: George Michalopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer, Wizz Air, Hussein Dabbas, General Manager – Special Projects for Middle East & Africa, Embraer 14.30 - 15.20 THE ATM SAUDI ARABIA TOURISM SUMMIT: TRANSFORMATION THROUGH TOURISM As Saudi Arabia forges ahead with Vision 2030, with tourism earmarked as a key economic driver – on track to deliver the second-highest revenue after oil – this session discusses the strategy’s positive repercussions for the kingdom, its people, investors and millions of global travellers.

Moderator: Hadley Gamble, CNBC Speakers: Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority, Majed Alnefai, Acting CEO of Seera, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO, Saudia, Dr Afnan Alshuaiby, CEO of FNN International, Chair of the Arab international Women’s Forum 16.20 - 17.10 THE ATM SAUDI ARABIA TOURISM SUMMIT: THE GIGA PROJECT EFFECT Meet the business leaders playing a pivotal role in delivering Vision 2030 by spearheading ambitious projects that will set Saudi Arabia apart as a destination like no other.

From developments that preserve and promote the kingdom’s heritage, culture and natural assets to theme parks, futuristic cities in the desert and luxury resorts with a strong focus on sustainability, panellists will reveal how the country is setting new global industry benchmarks.

Moderator: Hadley Gamble, CNBC Speakers: Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, John Pagano, CEO, Red Sea Development Company and AMAALA, Andrew McEvoy, Head of Tourism, NEOM, Melanie de Souza, Executive Director, Tourism and Destination Marketing, The Royal Commission for AlUla

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Seminar Schedule - ATM Global Stage

TUESDAY 18TH MAY 10.30 - 11.30 THE ATM HOTEL INDUSTRY SUMMIT: THE CHANGING ROLE OF HOTELS Experienced hoteliers discuss how they have reinvented their hospitality offering to adapt to pandemic-driven trends, from introducing co-working and ‘workfrom-hotel’ concepts and launching new hybrid hospitality experiences that merge the physical and virtual to delivering environments conducive to the new lifestyles and expectations of travellers.

Moderator: Richard Dean, Presenter, Business Breakfast at Dubai Eye, Director of Roar Interior Design Speakers: Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality, Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group, Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman, Rixos Hotels, Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, MEA President, Hilton Hotels Sponsored by:

Media partner:

12.30 - 13.30 THE ATM HOTEL INDUSTRY SUMMIT: PUTTING HOSPITALITY BACK INTO HOSPITALITY With new health and safety requirements sanitising the hotel environment, this session throws the spotlight on strategies for creating memorable customer experiences and preserving the all-important human touch. The session will also highlight how the roles of hotel staff are evolving, what technological innovations are here to stay and how loyalty programmes are being reimagined to offer guests what they really want.

Moderator: Richard Dean, Presenter, Business Breakfast at Dubai Eye, Director of Roar Interior Design Speakers: Stefan Leser, CEO at Langham Hospitality Group, Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO, Rotana, Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa, Four Seasons, Sandeep Walia, Area Vice President, UAE, Marriott International, Middle East & Africa Sponsored by:

Media partner:

Arabian Travel Market 2019

14.30 - 15.30 EAST MEETS WEST: LESSONS LEARNED LEADING TO RECOVERY AND ON-GOING RESILIENCE East meets west in this discussion as we look at recovery strategies while we plan for ongoing resilience delving into what lessons learned in the APAC countries have or have not been applied in the west and why or with what outcomes.

Culture plays an important part in recovery initiatives, from crisis response and implementation to product development and execution.

Arabian Travel Market 2019

So are these lessons transferrable from east to west and vice versa? Can we be confident that the world of travel is and will be in a better place, ensuring risk mitigation going forward?

Moderator: Paula Lacey, Commercial Director, Connecting Travel, ME Speakers: Daniela Wagner, Director Europe, Middle East and Africa, PATA, Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA, Nigel David, Director Asia and Middle East, WTTC, Khashif Khalid, Director, IATA MENA, Carlos Cendra, Chief Marketing Officer, Mabrian

Arabian Travel Market 2019

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY ITIC-ATM MIDDLE EAST TOURISM INVESTMENT SUMMIT: INVEST – REBUILD – RESTART 10:30 – 10:40 WELCOME SPEECHES Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC & Former Secretary-General UNWTO, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, ATM, Reed Exhibitions 10.40 - 11.15 MORNING CONVERSATIONS Discussing the evolving economic landscape of the Middle East and the emerging challenges and opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.

Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC & Former Secretary-General UNWTO, Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics, Middle East, Nicolas Mayer,

Global Tourism Leader, PWC 11.20 - 11.40 ONE-TO-ONE INTERVIEWS 11.45 - 12.30 TO WHAT EXTENT WILL SUSTAINABILITY REORIENT THE MIDDLE EAST TOURISM INDUSTRY? Moderator: Gerald Lawless, ITIC Director and WTTC Ambassador Speakers: H.E Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Hon. Nayef Al-Fayez, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan 14.15 - 14.30 TRAVEL INDUSTRY OUTLOOK Manus Cranny, Anchor at Bloomberg,

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in conversation with Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, discussing when the travel industry is expected to recover and bounce back to pre-COVID-19 levels?

14.35 - 15.20 PROSPECTS FOR INVESTMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL INDUSTRY Moderator: Nicolas Mayer, Global Tourism Leader, PWC Speakers: Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts India, Middle East & Africa, Salvatore Lavallo, Head of FDI Attraction, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Yariv Fisher, entrepreneur and expert in the GCC and Southeast Asia, Co-Founder and Chairman of Flyeast and Global Remit companies, Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations and Development, Swiss-Belhotel International – Europe

Middle East, Africa and India 15.25 - 16.30 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC and former Secretary-General of UNWTO, in conversation with Nikolina Angelkova, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Tourism, about investment opportunities in Bulgaria.

Introduction by: Paul Hoskins, Director, ITIC and Invest Tourism Ltd 16.30 - 16.45 CLOSING DISCUSSION Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC & Former Secretary-General, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Gerald Lawless, ITIC Director & WTTC Ambassador

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Travel Forward Theatre

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Sponsored by

SUNDAY 16TH MAY 12.30 - 13.30 TRAVOLUTION: THE APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY TO ADAPT TO THE NEW REALITY In this session delivered by Travolution, delegates will hear from leading travel and technology brands about the COVID19 bounce back. In this two-part session, we will first hear from Skyscanner, the leading price comparison site in the Trip.com group. Gavin Harris, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Flights, will run through the latest Skyscanner developments that have been brought in, in response to businesses’ new realities. He will explain what changes the brand has seen in traveller behaviour and sentiment and what signs it is seeing of pent-up demand driving the

recovery. Harris will also talk about what new technologies should be part of any strategy to emerge from the pandemic and the innovations essential to restore travel confidence. During the second half of the session, Travolution Editor, Lee Hayhurst, will lead a panel discussion with the experts speaking at the session on the themes that have been highlighted.

Moderator: Sarah Hedley Hymers, Editorial Director, Connecting Travel, Middle East Speakers: Lee Hayhurst, Executive Editor, Travolution, Gavin Harris, Director of Strategic Partnerships - Flights, Skyscanner, Melanie Bryant, Regional Director, Consulting, Onboarding and Optimisation, Travelport, Tony Smyth, Vice President - Corporate Development

and Communications, iFREE Group, David Klippenstein, Government Services, Mastercard, Alex Villeyra, COO, Mabrian 14.30 - 15.30 FACEBOOK AND THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL Now more than ever, travellers are demanding seamlessly personalised travel experiences. Leveraging Facebook’s family of apps and services, today’s travel brands have the ability to deliver personalisation across the end to end consumer journey. This ranges from communications to booking, and from service delivery to loyalty, enabling smoother and safer travels for everyone.

Speaker: Ameen Malhas, Client Partner, Facebook

16.15 - 17.00 EXPEDIA: LISTEN TO TRANSFORM Expedia Group brings together suppliers across both the accommodation and transportation sectors into one connected ecosystem. This ecosystem represents millions of voices from across the industry – working together to reunite families and friends, to reconnect colleagues and teams, to reopen access to new and different cultures, and to help people chase new dreams. This session looks at how listening to the voices in travel can help transform our business for the better.

Speaker: David Debeule, Director – Middle East & Turkey, Market Management, Lodging Expedia Group

MONDAY 17TH MAY 11.45 - 12.45 EXPO 2020 DUBAI: THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND TECHNOLOGY AT MEGA EVENTS Discover how Expo 2020 Dubai is creating world-class shows at the tip of a finger. Through a method that sits at the cutting edge of technology and entertainment, Expo 2020 Dubai is utilising an integrated system that allows us to elevate shows in the blink of an eye.

With a domed trellis of 130 metres in diameter and a height of 67.5 metres, Al Wasl Plaza will be one of the largest 360-degree immersive projection surfaces in existence. When combined with Expo 2020 Dubai’s immersive sound and light system, they will create a playground for the senses – pulling audiences into multiple directions, creating worlds that are deep, unpredictable and entertaining.

Moderator: Tom Urquhart, Radio Presenter, Dubai Eye Speakers: Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, Amna Albulhoul, Executive Creative Director, Events & Entertainment, Expo 2020 Dubai 13.30 - 14.30 AMADEUS: REBUILDING OUR INDUSTRY FOR SAFER TRAVELS – WHAT DOES IT TAKE? Many people want to travel – the real question is how soon will they feel confident enough to explore new horizons? Restoring traveller trust and confidence quickly and consistently will be essential to kickstarting the industry’s recovery.

Understanding new traveller expectations and adapting to their changing demands and perceptions around cleanliness, sanitation and

social distancing will be key to rebooting the travel industry. So, what can we do to regain traveler trust and increase demand?

In this session, participants will learn: what will make people in the region more likely to travel again; what are travellers’ views on hot topics, such as using a digital health passport; the importance of collaboration between all players to rebuild the travel industry and what technologies could really help offer a smoother and safer travel experience Speaker: Jamel Chandoul, Senior Vice President Retail, Amadeus Middle East 15.15- 15.45 UCLOUDLINK: MOBILE WIFI AS A SERVICE IN THE NEW NORMAL Travellers are expecting more when they travel again. From health passport to touchless check-in, a mobile-first experience requires reliable mobile WiFi to keep travellers connected for the best flexibility and reassurance. Traditional broadband is limited in coverage, bandwidth and overall experience, plus it comes with a pricey installation and data cost. Imagine mobile WiFi as a service – providing high quality, free of SIM card and roaming charge WiFi broadband to travellers, not only to supplement current broadband but create new benefits to both facilities and travellers. Join this session to explore a new possible solution in a new normal Speaker: Mohamed Ismail Aboual, GlocalMe 16.30 - 17.30 BCG & GOOGLE: PATH FORWARD FOR DMOS (ACTIONS FOR DESTINATION MARKETERS TO NAVIGATE IN A COVID-19 WORLD) Over the past 20 years, the global

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Arabian Travel Market 2019

travel and tourism business has grown at a five percent annual pace and in 2019, it totalled US$4.7 trillion, according to research from BCG in collaboration with Google.

Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) have been at the heart of this growth. When the pandemic began, however, the impact on the travel industry was immediate.

A decline in international and commercial passengers around the globe could lead to a loss of up to 58 percent of jobs (190 million) in the travel and tourism industry, and cut the industry’s contribution to global GDP by up to US$5.5 trillion (62 percent), according to the report.

For destination marketers in charge of developing tourism strategies based on annual planning and predicted

travel behaviour, this period has been particularly difficult. That’s why we looked into how consumers’ attitudes toward travel have changed in response to the pandemic. And how DMOs can prepare for the eventual resumption of travel — or more unexpected changes on the horizon.

Topics for discussion include: how consumer’s attitudes and preferences towards travel have changed in response to the pandemic; what changes and best practices have DMOs adopted in reaction to the pandemic and how DMOs can and are preparing for the eventual resumption of travel Moderator: Hans Clement, Managing Director & Partner – Dubai, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Speaker: Iva Kutle Skrlec, Global Destination Marketing Partner, Google

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TUESDAY 18TH MAY 12.15 - 13.00 AMADEUS: REBUILDING TRAVEL In this session by the global travel technology company, Amadeus, attendees will discover how data and advertising can help destinations bring visitors back, shining a light on new technological advancements that can be incorporated to enable fast recovery for gobal travel and tourism.

Moderator: Delphine Herrmann, Head of WEMEA Field Marketing, Amadeus Corporate Marketing, Amadeus Speaker: Tom Starr, Vice President of Global Sales, Amadeus

13.45 - 14.45 INTELAK HUB: CROSS-SECTOR COLLABORATION IN ACTION With innovation being key to the success of both start-ups and corporations, collaboration between the two worlds can, in many cases, be mutually beneficial. This session will explore how Intelak’s alumni and principle partners are building collaborations to scale the travel industry as well as showcase Intelak’s start-ups POC’s and what they need to implement at scale.

Moderator: Roberto Croci, Managing Director, Microsoft for Startups in

the Middle East and Africa Region Speakers: Salah Makkouk, The Emirates Group, Faisal Khan, Dubai Tourism, Nitin Reddy, Accenture 15.30 - 16.30 ARABIAN BUSINESS: 2021: WILL IT BE A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAVEL STARTUPS? The Emirates Development Bank Strategy has just announced its US$8.2 billion strategy to support start-ups and entrepreneurs in the UAE, which will contribute to financing more than 13,500 SMEs, creating 25,000 jobs,

including a US$272.3 million investment fund for start-ups. This session will explore if it is a good time or a bad time to launch a start-up, along with which industry verticals have seen successful new businesses and why as well as where the opportunities are for startups in the V-shape travel recovery.

Moderator: Scott Armstrong, Editor in Chief, Arabian Business Speakers: Kevin Czok, Managing Partner, Hotel Dat Cloud, Anna Skigin, Founder and CEO, Frank Porter, Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India, Wego

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 10.30 - 11.30 ITP: GETTING PERSONAL - HOW TECH, DATA AND EXPERIENCES ARE KEY TO SUCCESS Data is increasingly important for travel and hotel firms – from being able to provide customised deals and offers to travellers to curating unique experiences based on personal preferences once the guest has arrived.

Research by Google and Phocusright revealed that around 60 percent of travellers wanted brands to tailor the information they receive based on past preferences, while 76 percent said

they’d prefer loyalty programs that used previous behaviour as a driver of offers available. What’s more, 36 percent said they’d pay more if they received more personalised experiences.

Taking that a step further, Accor’s CEO Sebastian Bazin said that all hotels around the world will need to be different in order to customise experiences for guests, with properties needing to assimilate aspects of the city they’re based in to create more authentic memories for people.

In this panel, we will look at the ways hotels build guest profiles and

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how they use that data when it comes to reaching out to travellers and providing them with memorable stays.

Moderator: Paul Clifford, Group Editor, Hospitality Group, ITP Media Group Speakers: Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President, Deutsche Hospitality Middle East, Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President – Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Hilton, Karl Escritt, Chief Experience Officer, Like Digital, Amir Golbarg, Vice President Operations – Middle East, North Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Minor Hotels

12.30 - 13.15 RATEGAIN: UNRAVELING THE POWER OF SOCIAL-MEDIA TO GENERATE “ENGAGEMENT-DRIVEN-ROI” FOR HOTELS AND DESTINATION TOURISM Join BCV for an in-depth discussion about the changes in consumer behavior, emerging travel trends and the power of social media as a catalyst for conversation, loyalty and return on investment in 2021.

Speaker: Yuliya Navorynska, Country Head, UAE- BCV – A RateGain Company

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ATM Virtual 2021 MONDAY 24TH MAY GST 10.30 - 11.30 | GMT 07.30 - 08.30 ENABLING A NEW GENERATION OF MIDDLE EAST TOURISM PROFESSIONALS Tourism is a burgeoning sector in the Middle East and an area rich in opportunity for young men and women seeking to build careers in growth industries.

This session takes a look at: How do we engage young entrepreneurs and professionals to bring them into the tourism sector? What needs to be done to train and develop this new generation of talent to set them up for success?

It also looks at how can governments work with the private sector to support new entrepreneurs and existing tourism companies in a way that directly meets their needs (for example, micro-financing)?

Moderator: Zeinab Badawi, Presenter, BBC World News Speakers: HE Princess Haifa Al-Saud, Vice President at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, HE Maitha Saif Majid Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, Oman GST 12.00 - 13.00 | GMT 09.00 - 10.00 AIRLINE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: TACKLING THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY’S CHALLENGES: DIRECTOR GENERAL IATA WILLIE WALSH Willie Walsh takes up his position as Director General of IATA as the crisis facing the airline industry enters its second year.

Walsh is no stranger to tackling and succeeding in resolving challenging issues and complex problems. having successfully led Aer Lingus, British Airways and IAG in a career spanning more than 40 years.

Now he has to provide leadership for the industry at a time when its size and structure are under threat as never before.

Airlines face a fragmented and disjointed approach to the crisis by governments across the globe. Quarantines, border closers, testing regimes are amongst the issues on which IATA needs to drive engagement and consistency of approach in order to permit airlines to begin the process of recovery.

In this ATM Virtual exclusive interview, airline expert John Strickland will explore the priority issues on Willie Walsh’s agenda and seek his views on the way forward for the industry.

Moderator: John Strickland, JLS Consulting Speaker: Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA

GST 13.30 - 14.30 | GMT 10.30 - 11.30 THE ATM SAUDI ARABIA TOURISM SUMMIT - SAUDI’S HOTEL ROADMAP AS A TESTBED FOR INNOVATION Saudi Arabia’s hotel landscape continues to evolve at pace, underpinned by the long-term vision of the government plus public and private investment in infrastructure, new destinations and mixed-use projects.

With the long-term tourism outlook more bullish than ever, hotel industry heavyweights discuss the vast potential for new and innovative hospitality concepts that keep pace with this demand and fast-changing guest demographics, now and in the future.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc. Speakers: Mark Willis, CEO, TIMEA (Turkey, India, Middle East and Africa), Accor, Oliver Harnisch, Head of Hospitality, Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia, Hassan Ahdab, President of Hotels Operations, Dur Hospitality, Christopher Lund, Director, Head of Hotels, MENA Region, Colliers International GST 15.00 - 15.20 | GMT 12.00 - 12.20 THE BEST PART OF TRAVEL: ARABIA’S ARIVAL Our industry – tours, activities, attractions, events, experiences—is not just the third-largest part of travel, it’s why people travel in the first place.

Douglas Quinby shares exclusive Arival research on the outlook for tours, activities and attractions as well as key trends shaping the sector’s revival.

Speaker: Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder & CEO, Arival GST 15.40 - 16.05 | GMT 12.40 - 13.05 ASK ME ANYTHING: ZEINA DAGHER, CEO, EMAAR ENTERTAINMENT This one-time intern rose to become the CEO of the leisure attractions division of one of the UAE’s leading property development firms.

Responsible for the strategy of some of the emirates’ top attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, KidZania and Burj Khalifa, Dagher will share how attractions have adapted to the downturn and where attraction development, distribution and guest experience is headed in 2021 and beyond.

Moderator: Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder & CEO, Arival Speaker: Zeina Dagher, CEO, Emaar Entertainment GST 16.25 - 16.55 | GMT 13.25 - 13.55 OTAS, TECH & THE OUTLOOK FOR TOURS & ATTRACTIONS Digital distribution and online platforms are ushering in dramatic change, from how travellers plan and book to how operators and distributors connect.

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Arabian Travel Market 2019

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The pandemic has only accelerated the need for operators to get ahead on tech.

This session, taking place during ATM Virtual, will explore the changes afoot amid the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) and what this means for tour and attraction operators across the region.

Moderator: Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder & CEO, Arival Speakers: Julia Randow, Regional Director, GetYourGuide, Ian Renton, Director of Sales, Atlantis, Essam Salah, Co-Founder & CEO, Oceanair Travels GST 17.15 - 17.35 | GMT 14.15 - 14.35 THE TRULY CONNECTED TRIP This candid interview with the Head of Technology at Abu Dhabi’s Department

of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) looks at how the capital of the United Arab Emirates is looking to reimagine the guest experience by creating a truly connected and personalised experience, from travel planning to arrival and exploring the destination.

During the session, Jamieson will discuss the road ahead for DCT Abu Dhabi and the industry as they seek to connect tour and attraction suppliers to enhance the guest experience and create new opportunities for tour and attraction providers in the UAE capital amid the pandemic.

Speaker: Peter Jamieson, CTO, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi

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Seminar Schedule - ATM Virtual 2021

TUESDAY 25TH MAY GST 10.30 - 11.30 | GMT 07.30 - 08.30 THE ATM HOTEL INDUSTRY SUMMIT: HOSPITALITY TRENDS ACCELERATED – WELLNESS AND SUSTAINABILITY TAKE CENTRE STAGE Hoteliers explain how they’ve adapted to the super-acceleration of global wellness and sustainability movements, evolving their hotels and services to respond to overwhelming traveller demand for health and wellbeing solutions and sustainable practices that support the environment and local communities.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Emlyn Brown, Global Vice President, Accor WellBeing Luxury & Premium Brands, Paul Gardiner, CEO of Mantis Collection, Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director at Red Carnation Hotels & Founding Member of Beyond Green Sponsored by:

GST 12.00 - 12.40 | GMT 09.00 - 09.40 AIRLINE LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: SEIZING NEW OPPORTUNITIES – A DISCUSSION WITH ADEL ALI, CEO OF AIR ARABIA GROUP A seasoned airline industry executive, Adel Ali has nurtured Air Arabia to become a highly profitable low-cost airline group with activity spanning the Gulf and North Africa.

The group, like all airlines, has been severely tested by the current COVID-19 pandemic but still managed to deliver two profitable quarters in the last year.

Despite the ongoing crisis, the airline has added aircraft to its fleet and opened up a new subsidiary in Abu Dhabi.

To find out how Adel Ali is managing the crisis whilst still keeping an eye on opportunities, John Strickland, a former compatriot from an earlier career at British Airways, will be putting the questions to him.

Moderator: John Strickland, JLS Consulting Speaker: Adel Ali, CEO Air Arabia Group.

GST 12.50 - 13.20 | GMT 09.50 - 10.20 AIRLINE LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: FLY DUBAI MOVING AHEAD – CEO GHAITH AL GHAITH IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHN STRICKLAND Ghaith Al Ghaith has led Flydubai since it was founded and has seen the airline grow to be a powerful force on the aviation landscape, adding many new destinations from its Dubai base.

He has guided the airline through periods of difficulty, including the global grounding (recently lifted) of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

We will explore what he has learned from these challenges and how he envisions Flydubai’s development and evolution in the years ahead. Topics for discussion will include an exploration of likely network growth, product developments and the deepening and evolving partnership with Emirates.

Moderator: John Strickland, JLS Consulting Speaker: Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai GST 13.30 - 14.30 | GMT 10.30 - 11.30 COVID SAFE RECOVERY: INSIGHTS & TOOLS FOR 2021 AND BEYOND The visitor experience in-destination is central to the COVID-safe recovery of the travel industry. Current indications are that there is much pent-up demand for a return to a full suite of travel services but perceptions of COVID-19 safety on the trip is high on the list of visitor concerns that need to be addressed.

This session looks at the latest data on consumer sentiment. It will also cover the practical solutions forwardthinking travel businesses are providing in-destination to address them.

This session is run by ETOA, the European Tourism Association.

Moderator: Rachel Read, Director of Insight, ETOA Speakers: David Edwards, Tourism Insight Specialist, ETOA and Scattered Clouds, Santiago García-Dils de la Vega, International Promotion & MICE, Turismo de Sevilla, Elodie Berta, Head of Business Development, Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau

normal will be a challenging trading environment for business and leisure travel. We have brought together leading thinkers and practitioners to share their ideas about how hotels can manage risk and trade profitably over the next decade.

Properties being built now will be operating in a very different environment in the 2030s. The decisions we make now will determine the assets we have to work with in the future. There are many tied and tested solutions, and there are some new ideas yet to be fully proven. Now is the time to take responsibility and weather the storm.

Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor Speakers: Eric Ricaurte, Founder & CEO, Greenview, Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior Vice President – Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications at Radisson Hotel Group, Madhu Rajesh, CEO at Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA), Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Rana Al Oran, Director of People and Culture, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

GST 18.00 -19.00 | GMT 15.00 - 16.00 THE TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL DRIVE A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR TRAVEL Before the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability and concerns about the impact travel has on the environment were set to become one of the defining issues for the sector for future generations.

While the pandemic has inevitably diverted attention, it is also likely to accelerate how sustainability will become a growing focus as consumers, governments, regulators and pressure groups alike shine a light on industry practices.

In this session, experts will talk about how technology and sustainability will converge to ensure a vibrant and responsible future for travel.

Moderator: Lee Hayhurst, Executive Editor, Travolution Speakers: Hugo Kimber, Founder Director, Carbon Responsible, Nico Nicholas, CEO & Co-Founder, Trees4Travel, Bayram Annakov, Founder & CEO of App In The Air

Arabian Travel Market 2019

GST 15.00 - 16.00 | GMT 12.00 - 13.00 HOW THE LACK OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL HAS AFFECTED THE REGIONAL F&B SCENE Top hoteliers talk about how the lack of international travel has impacted their F&B over the past year. And with vaccines helping to win the fight against COVID-19, what will be the impact as we return to a sense of normality? Among the topics of discussion will be whether an increase in staycations has made up for the smaller amount of international travellers, are customers spending more money on experiential dining locally because they can’t go abroad, and will a summer exodus from Dubai lead to difficult times for hotels or will inbound travel return enough to make up for it?

Moderator: Simon Ritchie, Editor of Caterer Middle East and Hotelier Middle East Speakers: Emma Banks, VP of F&B Strategy for EMEA, Hilton, Lynne Bellinger, Director of F&B Design & Development EAME - Marriott International, Samantha Wood, Founder of Foodiva, Suhaila Ghubash, Director of Festivals and Events, DFRE GST 16.30 - 17.30 | GMT 13.30 - 14.30 RESPONSIBLE HOSPITALITY IN A PERFECT STORM COVID-19, climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing inequality, the new

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WEDNESDAY 26TH MAY GST 10.00 - 11.00 | GMT 07.00 - 08.00 CULTURAL TOURISM FOR GROWTH Find out how countries across the region are developing cultural attractions, from museums to ancient heritage sites, to differentiate their destination offering and provide visitors with enriching educational experiences. Panellists discuss how positioning the region as a global centre for cultural tourism will pave the way for sustainable industry growth and leave a legacy for future generations.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Ali Al Shaiba, Executive Director – Tourism and Marketing, DCT Abu Dhabi, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (SHUROOQ), Sharjah, UAE, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) GST 11.30 - 12.30 | GMT 08.30 - 09.30 RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY FOR TRAVEL & TOURISM The tourism industry – travel, hospitality and attractions – has developed a bewildering range of tech solutions.

For this panel, we have chosen

speakers who can look behind the brochures and the sales pitches to share what they have learnt about what works, what doesn’t and why?

Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Advisor Speakers: Andrea Nicholas, CEO, Green Tourism, Chris Warren, Founder & CEO, My Green Butler, Dina Storey, Head of Sustainability, Expo 2020 Dubai, Claire Whitely, Senior Sustainability Manager, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Keith Bradley, Managing Partner, Globally Great GBTA CONFERENCE @ ATM 2021 - READY.SAFE.TRAVEL GST 14.00 - 14.45 | GMT 11.00 - 11.45 WE ARE READY! This “big picture” segment will feature how ready the region is for its return to travel, looking at GBTA’s BTI Business Travel Outlook for the Middle East, industry forecasts and diving into how governments have responded to the pandemic and their readiness for the return to travel in terms of border controls and travel restrictions.

Moderator: Chris Pouney, Managing Partner, Severnside Consulting Ltd Speakers: Iyad Rasbey, Executive

Director, Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Catherine Logan, Regional Vice President - EMEA, GBTA, Derek Sadubin, Managing Director, CAPA - Centre for Aviation GST 15.00 - 15.45 | GMT 12.00 - 12.45 WE ARE SAFE! Travel risk management is a core function of any travel programme and this segment will look at how best to keep travellers safe as we come out of the pandemic, what solutions are available to help with this and what special considerations need to be observed in this region.

Moderator: Debra Reid, Strategic Corporate Travel Manager, Houston, Texas Speakers: Hans Kanold, Global Ambassador, Stay Safe Hospitality, Savio Vas, Vice President Government and Corporate Travel, Dnata Travel Management, Emirates GST 16.00 - 16.45 | GMT 13.00 - 13.45 WE CAN TRAVEL! An international panel of global and regional buyers will share how they have incorporated this region into

their global programme – focusing on challenges and opportunities and sharing of best practices to accommodate cultural nuances, practical realities and the pandemic.

Moderator: Chris Pouney, Managing Partner, Severnside Consulting Ltd Speakers: Mohammed Halawi, Global Travel Director (Global Services), Firmenich, Anthony Baldwin, EMEIA Emerging Markets Travel, Meetings & Events Leader, EY, Nevine Khedr, Front Office Lead, Travel & Expense Management (T&E), ABB GST 17.00 - 17.45 | GMT 14.00 - 14.45 WE CAN MEET! Like transient travel, MICE has been hard hit by the pandemic, but how and when will it come back?

This session will dive into the outlook for the meetings industry as well as how and when these will take place and whether hybrid is here to stay.

Moderator: Glenn Johnston, Aviareps Speakers: Emre Kirazci, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, Graham Pope, Vice President of Sales, Cvent, Ayman Talaat, CEO, Extramile Group ME, Ali Fouladi, Tourism Advisor, Bahrain Tourism Board

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Feature - A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism

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Winds of change The industry remains hopeful about a gradual rebound with key players set to use this new dawn for the travel and tourism sector to build back better The past decade witnessed a remarkable transformation in global tourism. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economic sectors, tourism levels recorded all-time highs. Compared to 2009 figures, international tourist arrivals grew from 880 million to 1.5 billion in 2019, while the industry made up 10 percent of the global GDP in 2019 with a total contribution of US$8.9 trillion.

Over the course of the last ten years, as several hidden gems came to light, beckoning intrepid travellers from around the world, a global shift in economic power saw the Middle East placed at the centre of the tourism boom.

Several cities and countries across the region developed into significant hubs for travel and leisure. The most successful of all destinations was Dubai, followed closely by Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah and also Saudi Arabia, which, in 2019, made a

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monumental shift as it opened its doors to international tourists for the first time.

Travel providers ushered in 2020 with their sights set on riding this wave of growth, instead, the new decade brought this steady ascent to a grinding halt due to the pandemic. COVID-19 caused tourist arrivals to fall to extraordinary depths, plunging the industry into an unprecedented crisis. As borders began to close to curb the spread of the virus, airlines grounded their fleet and hotels put up the shutters, bringing the travel and tourism business on its knees with millions of jobs at risk.

Now, almost a year since countries first imposed national lockdowns, the end of the crisis seems to be in sight. Nations are now locked in the race to vaccinate their populations and economic recovery efforts are underway. Although experts have predicted that tourism spend will not return to pre-pandemic levels until

2024, the industry remains hopeful about a gradual rebound with key players all set to use this new dawn for the travel and tourism industry to build back better.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY A Global Holiday Intent survey conducted

by YouGov on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions revealed that nearly half of those surveyed intended to travel in 2021.

Expatriates from the UAE and Saudi Arabia also expressed that they were looking for a relaxing holiday or hoping to travel home during the year to see family and friends. These findings are supported by recent research conducted

by Expedia and VisitBritain, which has shown that consumers are still very much dreaming about taking a holiday this year.

Scott Livermore, Chief Economist, Oxford Economics, Middle East, said: “As vaccine roll-out progresses, we expect to see a significant return

A Global Holiday Intent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions revealed that nearly half of those surveyed intended to travel in 2021 5/12/21 12:21 AM

A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism - Feature

to international travel, although there will not be an immediate rebound to pre-pandemic levels.

“Some lingering restrictions will continue to hamper the recovery, while consumer sentiment will also be affected, at least in the near term, leading to some reduced propensity to travel, especially from older, more vulnerable demographic groups. Medium-term travel demand is also expected to remain lower than the pre-pandemic projections due to economic scarring over this period.”

As the industry begins to bounce back, Livermore believes that this period of recovery will be shaped by a host of factors. “Vaccines will be essential for the end of lockdown measures and easing of travel restrictions. However, vaccination alone is not likely to be enough to drive recovery, especially with the uneven and delayed roll-out in many countries to date.

“Continued testing on departure and arrival will play a role in facilitating a return to travel. This will be essential to limit transmission of the virus across borders in the absence of widespread immunity and will also help to raise confidence in the safety of travel, along with some continued requirements for social distancing and mask-wearing.

“Some form of travel pass is also likely to facilitate safe travel to countries for those who have received approved vaccines.

“Destinations will also benefit from clear and coordinated messaging of current conditions and openness.

Continued adoption of digital platforms, including social media and video content, will help to clearly communicate messages to potential travellers, retain engagement and interest as well as drive market share in recovery.”

Offering insight into what the path ahead will look like within the next few years, Rachel Read, Director of Insight, European Tourism Association, said: “The road to recovery will be full of twists and turns, ups and downs and even detours. The speed along which the road is travelled will depend on consumers’ motivation to take holidays, the amount of money they have to spend on tourism services as well as the cost and availability of a means of transport to take them to where they want to go.”

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1 Thailand 2 Dubai 3 & 4 Navigating the ‘new normal’ 5 Greece

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TRENDING NOW Despite new waves of restrictions and the ongoing uncertainty, the innate human desire to travel has not dwindled. In fact, the enthusiasm for travel has grown immensely with the pent-up need to explore the world. This has given rise to several new trends in the travel and hospitality industry.

Digital nomads, for example, are choosing to trade home base for exotic international locations that allow them to be permanently out of the office while earning their living from a laptop. With governments now offering long-term visas, the “workation” trend is likely to continue, with more investors getting on board to lure this new generation of travellers.

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Further highlighting emerging trends, Read said: “Many have speculated that recovery will be led by domestic rather than international travel and that remote destinations will outperform cities. This may be true in the short term, but a strong appetite to experience a foreign culture that cities offer so very well means that the potential for urban destinations to rebound should not be overlooked.”

Livermore also believes that shorthaul and domestic travel will comprise a higher share of travel in the coming years. He said: “Domestic travel share rose in 2020 due to closed borders but remains elevated even as restrictions ease. This will be driven by lingering concerns regarding the safety of international travel. The higher share of short-haul and domestic travel will also be influenced by some cost-saving in the early stages of economic recovery.”

SAFE YET MEMORABLE There is a range of evidence from research undertaken by the European Travel Commission and others that consumers have become acutely aware of the need for their travel experience to be safe. This means that travellers are now paying greater attention to the protocols that are in place to minimise the risk of being infected by the coronavirus while shortlisting their next travel destination.

Read said: “Perceptions of COVID19 safety and its impact on their trip is high on the list of visitor concerns.

But this does not mean that all of the factors that consumers considered vital when choosing a destination prior

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to the pandemic have diminished in importance. Potential visitors still want to have a great experience on their trip as this is at the heart of travel motivations.

“A destination that offers great value for money, lots of things to see and do, a friendly welcome and the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family will still prove more attractive than one that does not. This makes the visitor experience in-destination central to the COVIDsafe recovery of the travel industry.”

NEW OPPORTUNITIES The impact to the travel industry in the wake of the pandemic is unsurprising but with more providers taking note of consumers’ pent-up demand for travel, the new and innovative solutions being introduced are fueling the sector’s recovery.

Livermore said: “The travel sector has been harder hit than the wider economy, bearing the brunt of lockdowns, enforced business closures and travel restrictions. A complete economic rebound will not be possible until the travel sector is able to fully recover.”

And while businesses continue to do their part, Livermore also believes that new investments can further contribute to the industry in this phase.

“Continued support for the sector is essential at this time to ensure that businesses are still able to meet demand as travel returns. This includes investment in new capacity and technology to help the sector understand evolving traveller requirements and adapt and expand to meet these needs.”

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Feature - Responsible Tourism

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Taking responsibility With responsible travel growing in importance, the industry is employing new tactics and assessing ways to address the challenges posed by climate change and the pandemic 1

Even in the pre-pandemic world, the issue of climate change was more prevalent than ever before. In 2019, it was largely due to the efforts of Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg that the devastating impact of rising sea levels became more pronounced. From convincing her parents to adopt several lifestyle choices that would help reduce their own carbon footprint to speaking at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Thunberg firmly stated that humanity is facing an existential crisis because of global warming.

Yet, just two years after her historic speech, the world seems like a completely different place, plunged even deeper into the global environmental crisis. The issue of sustainability in the midst of the challenges brought about by the pandemic continues to remain vital.

Fortunately, the travel and tourism industry has long been looking at ways to combat various sustainability concerns. Even with the complications and crippling effects of COVID19, travel and tourism businesses are keeping the environment in

mind as they rebuild, meeting the growing need for a sustainable reboot of the sector as a whole.

If one positive outcome from 2020 can be highlighted, it is that the idea of responsible tourism has risen to the forefront. Experts believe that in light of these exceptional circumstances, green travel is a trend that will only grow in the years ahead.

NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL In a policy brief from August 2020 titled ‘COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism’, the United Nations stated: “Rebuilding tourism is an opportunity for transformation with a focus on leveraging its impact on destinations visited and building more resilient communities and businesses through innovation, digitalisation, sustainability and partnerships.”

On the occasion of World Tourism Day in September 2020, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, pointed out that in light of COVID-19, “We have an unprecedented opportunity to transform the relationship of the

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tourism sector with people, nature, the climate and the economy.”

Harold Goodwin, Responsible Tourism Advisor at World Travel Market, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has paused the inexorable growth in domestic and international tourism facilitated by fossil fuels and increasing prosperity. The pause has created an opportunity for reflection and at least a chance that we might rebuild travel and tourism better.

“With the pandemic, climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing inequality, hospitality is operating in a perfect storm of health and safety, environmental and socio-economic challenges.

The new normal will be a challenging trading environment for business and leisure travel for several years.”

Much can be gleaned from the handling of the pandemic by governments across the world and parallels can be drawn to the issue of sustainability. “The good news is that governments have taken responsibility for tackling COVID-19, understanding that the urgency, scale and complexity of the problem mean that it cannot be left to the market.

“The challenge of climate change is also characterised by scale and complexity. But, it is not seen as a clear and present danger and it is not seen as urgent. Scientists and economists have been telling us for years that there is a growing problem and that the later we address it, the more difficult and costly it will be.”

The responsibility of addressing and mitigating these concerns ultimately comes down to individuals and business, as Goodwin believes.

“Climate change and the coronavirus have one major thing in common – the behaviour of each of us, as individuals and businesses, adds to the problem.

“To protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, we are encouraged

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1, 2 & 5 Sustainable travel 3 Paul Gardiner 4 Harold Goodwin 6 Jeremy McCarthy 7 Jonathan Raggett

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Responsible Tourism - Feature

foreseeable future, trust is the new currency of domestic and international travel. The hotels, in particular, have learned a great deal about rebuilding trust and providing healthy and safe accommodation for guests.”

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TRANSFORMING HOSPITALITY Several industry heavyweights have addressed the issue of sustainability, setting an example for others to follow suit by introducing a host of measures to ensure that profits do not trump the damage to the environment.

This has led to travel and hospitality providers taking the right steps in the right direction to reduce their carbon footprint and do their bit for the planet.

Paul Gardiner, CEO, Mantis Collection, said: “The industry is really beginning to embrace wellness and sustainability. This is very natural to Mantis as nature, conservation, wellness and eco-tourism are part of our DNA with our name meaning: M=man, A=and, N=nature, T=together, I= is, S=sustainable.

“We have conservation-focused luxury hotels, eco-lodges and waterways across the globe and our sustainability goals are achieved 6

to wear masks and social distance.

Whereas, climate change requires that we emit fewer greenhouse gases, which have negative impacts on our daily lives. The longer we delay, the greater the impact will be on our freedom and our standard of living. But one thing is for sure. There will be no quick, painless fix for climate change, although there may be one for the coronavirus.”

TRENDS TAKING SHAPE Last summer, with people confined to their own countries, new travel trends taking shape gave the world a glimpse into what sustainable tourism could look like. Many opted for staycations in their own countries. In Germany, for instance, residents took around four million more domestic trips than they did in 2019.

As the number of air trips and cruises fell drastically in 2020, the demand for camper vans, motorhomes and bicycles rose. Faced with pandemic restrictions, many travellers also opted for more sustainable alternatives when choosing their accommodation. Many preferred vacation apartments and campsites, and in doing so, significantly improved the carbon footprint of their vacation.

But whether this trend continues after the pandemic remains to be seen.

Goodwin explained: “The pandemic has badly damaged our industry and we cannot avoid the uncomfortable truth that travel spreads the virus.

For many decades travellers and holidaymakers have jetted off across continents with little concern for their health and safety. No longer. For the

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through the Mantis Impact Experiences division as well as through the Mantis and Accor Foundation – Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA).

“The CCFA was formed to address social and environmental imbalances and to find a workable solution to the growing conservation crisis. It does so through grantgiving, education and working in partnership with local communities to implement management systems on the ground, which will protect the wildlife and the wilderness areas.”

Mantis Collection also believes in involving guests in their conservation efforts, allowing them to participate in a host of experiences, such as planting trees in their holiday destination or interacting with local beekeepers.

“Mantis guests are also invited to offset their carbon footprint using CCFA’s carbon calculator and carbon offset projects,” Gardiner added.

Close to home, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has taken a host of steps to ensure more sustainability in travel and hospitality. Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said: “Our big focus has been on eliminating single-use plastics in all of our hotels this year. The pandemic has made this more challenging than we would have liked as the industry tends to rely on disposable single-use plastics to create the most sanitary and hygienic conditions possible.

“But we did not give up on our goal to eliminate single-use plastics in our hotels by the first quarter of this year.

We have still not found replacements to all the items we use but we have eliminated over 90 percent of the disposable plastic consumed in our hotels, including shampoo bottles, water bottles, plastic bags and more.”

At Red Carnation Hotels, the group began contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals issued

by UNWTO in 2008 by launching The TreadRight Foundation with a mission to “make travel matter” and create a positive impact on the planet, its people and wildlife. These measures were further enhanced post-COVID-19, which allowed for a sustainable rebuilding of its offering.

Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director at Red Carnation Hotels: “The initiatives we are working on include increasing our use of local and organic produce, reducing food waste and promoting the use of renewable energy. In addition, we’ll continue to progress ongoing projects such as the removal of all single-use plastics.”

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Feature - Tourism in China

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The path to recovery

While the path to recovery will vary by market, China’s distinct experience holds lessons for other destinations as, with low COVID-19 transmission rates in the country, traveller confidence has improved When countries around the world began enforcing the second wave of national lockdowns, domestic tourism in China was thriving at around 80 percent of its 2019 levels. Thanks to its effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country saw a quick recovery in local tourism, making it one of the first nations to bounce back to some form of social normalcy.

As of December 2020, domestic air travel in China had almost fully recovered, while hotel occupancy recorded a significant boost since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. Much of this rebound can be attributed to travels made during the country’s Golden Week celebrations in October 2020, which accounted for a total of 637 million domestic trips.

“The decisive action taken in China to contain COVID-19 and to prevent further infection was the key factor contributing to the fast rebound of travel and tourism within China as early as May 2020, which was further enhanced during the Golden Week holiday in October 2020,” said Adam Wu, CEO, CBN Travel & MICE and World Travel Online.

THE DOMESTIC BOOM Domestic travel has always been a key driver of tourism in China. Since 2015, the local tourism industry has blossomed at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3 percent. In 2019 alone, the number of domestic trips grew to 3.1 billion. While this increase would have ideally continued at a similar pace, the snags caused by the pandemic altered its momentum.

Yet, thanks to the country’s fast recovery, GlobalData forecasts that between 2019 and 2023, domestic trips will see a CAGR increase of 7.7

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percent, which highlights not only the rise of domestic tourism in China but also its role as an important component of the Chinese economy.

The boom in domestic tourism can be attributed to a host of factors, from China’s effective measures to curb the virus to its vaccination drive. Also, as countries around the world shut their borders in a bid to combat the virus, trans-provincial travel resumed in China.

This kept many frequent international travellers within the country, causing them to turn to domestic travel instead.

Another significant factor aiding the recovery of tourism within China was the country’s strict quarantine measures for those returning from abroad. This led globetrotters to choose China’s own provinces over a trip overseas.

To meet this growing demand for local trips and attract citizens, industry providers put forward innovative packages and promotions, which in turn helped boost business while contributing to the industry’s recovery.

Airlines in China rolled out several programmes, including discounts, coupons and unlimited flight packages, which contributed to the V-shaped recovery of domestic air travel, while tour operators cut down prices and launched more attractive products.

Thanks to these efforts, the sector made a rapid recovery and the demand for domestic travel is soon approaching pre-pandemic levels.

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FURTHER AFIELD For prime travel destinations around the world, 2021 began with great hope as several countries rolled out robust vaccination programmes. With a significant number of local populations

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Tourism in China - Feature

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1 Great Wall of China 2 & 3 Beijing 4 Yangtze River

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inoculated, destinations, ranging from Dubai to Seychelles and Mauritius, were able to promote their locales as COVIDsafe. Many are now hopeful that they will soon be able to welcome high spending Chinese visitors back to their countries.

“According to recent research conducted in China, 45 percent of the survey participants revealed that they wanted to travel overseas once foreign destinations are open,” said Wu. However, these travellers are now prioritising safety and security above all other factors when it comes to shortlisting destinations.

“Safety and security are now the primary factors that Chinese travellers are considering when choosing a foreign destination, especially after the pandemic. A majority of Chinese people pay great attention to personal health and safety. Chinese visitors, therefore, prefer destinations that are perceived to be safe and secure.”

Other changes have also come to the fore in Chinese travellers’ habits following the pandemic. Wu revealed: “The trends of outbound travel from China are changing rapidly from group tours to fully independent travels; from

The domestic tourism sector made a rapid recovery in China and the demand for domestic travel is soon approaching prepandemic levels visiting as many places during one trip to an in-depth travel experience.

“The demographic of Chinese travellers is also moving from elder retired consumers to the younger generation, most of whom prefer travelling independently. The pandemic has only accelerated such trends.”

A recent study conducted by the local travel booking platform Trip. com revealed that travel recovery first occurred among millennial and Gen Z consumers in China since the pandemic has less of a health impact on them.

According to its findings, the post-90 group (those who were born between 1990-99) accounted for five percent of travel during the May Labor Day holiday in 2020, a significant increase from 2019 levels during the same holiday period.

To target young consumers, the domestic travel industry has shifted its marketing focus to emerging social platforms and experimented with new content formats to appeal to this demographic.

Wu concluded: “The most effective strategy has proven to be continuity, which means, countries that maintained destination promotion to Chinese travellers on a continuous basis even during the COVID-19 pandemic via effective digital marketing solutions and Chinese social media have successfully retained strong interest among both the outbound travel trade and also millions of Chinese travellers in those destinations.”

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5/12/21 12:53 AM

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Destinations

Dubai

Soaring skyscrapers meet endless desert dunes in this fascinating emirate that stands for everything futuristic while keenly preserving the traditions of its past

Dubai Tourism / ME3110, ME3140, ME2520

As one of the world’s most visited destinations, Dubai is flexing its muscle. Beyond the record-breaking attractions, such as the world’s tallest tower and largest mall, it boasts a stunning coastline and desert terrain in addition to an exciting cultural calendar, including the region’s largest literature festival and a year-round programme at its magnificent Opera House.

Dubai saw a record number of visitors in 2019, up from 14.3 million in 2018 to 15 million. While these figures saw a hit from the pandemic, recovery was fast-paced and the emirate bid farewell to a challenging 2020 by welcoming a total of 5.51 million international visitors during the year. With travel restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, the top source markets in 2020 included India with 865,000 visitors, followed by Saudi Arabia, UK, Russia and Oman.

With the world now reopening to international travel amid robust vaccination drives, Dubai has its sights set on record figures as Expo 2020 Dubai opens in the last quarter of 2021.

In preparation, the city’s public transport network has seen the addition of new routes along with further development across roads and other infrastructure.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Water Canal

Beyond its record-breaking attractions, Dubai boasts a stunning coastline and desert terrain in addition to a year-round calendar of cultural festivities Museum of the Future

Abu Dhabi

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi / ME2250, ME2115

Last year, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) revealed that the number of international visitors to the UAE capital reached 11.35 million in 2019, marking a 10.5 percent increase over 2018 figures. The official statistics for 2019 also showed that the hotel industry in the emirate posted the highest number of guests to date, amounting to 5.1 million.

Despite the challenges resulting from the coronavirus, the industry’s performance in 2020 closely trailed the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This is thanks to the government’s effective management of the COVID-19 crisis,

New hotels continue to launch with more high-end properties opening all throughout the city and close to the expo site. Luxury remains king with the largest number of rooms found in the city’s five-star hotels, but with rising numbers of three and four-star properties, recent years have shown a massive diversification in the emirate’s tourism strategy and in turn, its visitor numbers.

The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi blends its rich past with modern icons and its forward-thinking approach, giving visitors a diverse spectrum of experiences to enjoy in the emirate

allowing for a quick reopening of the country’s borders, and the rise in staycation numbers. On some days, the market even showed year-over-year growth. For instance, in November 2020, Abu Dhabi posted the UAE’s highest occupancy level of 64.6 percent.

Over the last decade, the UAE capital has worked hard to place itself well and truly on the world map. From developing state-of-the-art cultural venues to hosting major sporting events, the emirate has become a leading destination for leisure and business travellers.

Broadening its cultural offerings, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed

Despite the challenges, the hotel industry’s performance in 2020 closely trailed the pre-pandemic levels of 2019

Louvre Abu Dhabi

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In the lead up to Expo 2020 Dubai, the emirate is also preparing to raise the curtain on a host of new attractions, including the Museum of the Future and Ain Dubai – the world’s largest observation wheel. Both can be equally enjoyed in winter and the scorching summer as Dubai’s tourism chiefs are making sure the weather is no obstacle to drawing the crowds all year round.

Qasr Al Hosn

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

National Museum will soon join the likes of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and Qasr Al Hosn, which are currently must-see sights in the UAE capital.

Meanwhile, on Yas Island, the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and indoor skydiving chamber, Clymb Abu Dhabi joined the trio of record-breaking theme parks in the destination – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.

There is plenty for outdoor lovers too, with the newly opened Jubail Mangrove Park, in addition to pristine, sandy beaches and the fiery dunes of the Empty Quarter in the remote southwest.

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Destinations

Egypt

Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board / AF3000

Home to some of the world’s most ancient and fascinating sites, Egypt has always been a popular destination due to its history, culture, natural beauty and architectural wonders.

It is a place etched in most people’s hearts from childhood with images of Cairo’s Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx some of the first things to learn in the history of the world.

Cairo is also home to the Egyptian Museum – a treasure trove of antiquities. The city’s medieval quarters, with its narrow, winding alleyways and vibrant souks, have also made it a stand-alone destination. But the country has so much more beyond its capital city.

At the crossroads of north-eastern Africa and the Middle East, Egypt is a melting pot of religions and empires, with remnants of ancient cultures still very much alive today, from remote desert monasteries to medieval Islamic architecture and Roman trading outposts,

which still bear testimony to life as it once was in the unforgiving desert.

Visitors can hop on and off a Nile cruise and visit the likes of waterside temples, cross Lake Nasser to witness the wonderous Ramses II masterpiece at Abu Simbel or travel to the southern city of Luxor in search of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Luxor is also home to some of the world’s most loved pharaonic tombs and temples, including the unforgettable Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed, and the hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple.

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The mighty Nile and magnificent monuments have long enticed travellers to Egypt. Add in the country’s intriguing past, now the core of local lore, and it is a traveller’s dream

The country’s Red Sea resorts offer some of the world’s most spectacular beaches and scuba diving, and with flights resumed from most countries, business is back on track. With the backdrop of the Sinai mountains, resorts such as Sharm-El-Sheikh have been a diving haven for years, a stunning escape with all the charm of

Egypt is a melting pot of religions and empires, with remnants of ancient cultures very much alive today

the East, while offering some of the most luxurious hotels in the country.

Still rising is Marsa Alam, which, since the opening of its international airport in 2001, is hot on the heels of its more established rival. However, for adventure travellers or those on a low budget, an array of quaint beachside camps made of palm frond huts offer a unique way to explore the magnificent coral-reef lined coast.

Egypt truly offers tours for all kinds of travellers, but one thing that will penetrate them all is the fascinating history of this ancient country. Aswan’s Philae temples and the unfinished Obelisk are just some of the wonders waiting to be discovered, while Hurghada’s white sands and crystal clear waters are a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Siwa Oasis is a paradisiacal island full of mineral springs, salt lakes and endless olive and palm groves, while in its main town, Shali, ruins of the Shali Fortress dominate the city centre.

Pyramids of Giza

Maldives

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation / AS3350

The mere mention of the Maldives instantly conjures up mesmerising images of overwater villas. Only a handful of destinations in the world can rival the barefoot luxury and untouched charm of this archipelago.

With tourism one of the most significant pillars of the country’s economy, it is little wonder that the government fast tracked its efforts to reopen its borders to the world since the pandemic first hit. And thanks to a host of successful strategies and fruitful measures, Maldives became

one of the first countries to welcome tourists to its dazzling shores once again. Ever since, travellers from all over the world have chosen the island nation to fulfil their pent-up travel desires.

Whether visitors are seeking the seclusion and privacy of an island hideaway, the pampering of a spa resort or the thrills of white-knuckle water sports, the Maldives is a destination for all. With so much to offer, it does not cease to draw people to its idyllic shores.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is unique for its geography and

Maldives

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The Maldives has 26 natural atolls and 1,190 islands of which 185 are inhabited, several of which are standalone luxury resorts

The Maldives has consistent appeal, drawing people to its idyllic shores topography. Positioned on top of a vast underwater mountain range, the Maldives has around 1,190 islands and sandbanks.

The pearl-string-like islands cover a land area of around 298 square kilometres, encircled by a crystal clear lagoon. The islands are protected by a natural reef structure, housing some of the world’s most fascinating diving spectacles.

There is always something to do on this island paradise. From diving or snorkelling to canoeing and windsurfing, fishing to water skiing, the destination is a water sports haven.

For those keen to learn more about Maldivian history and culture, there are multiple centuries-old heritage sites just within walking distance of the landing jetty for Malé, in addition to the National Museum, which takes visitors through the islands’ long and rich history from medieval times through colonisation, right up to the present.

As expected, Maldivian cuisine – a fusion of Asian flavours and spices – thrives on the ocean, fish and

Hawksbill turtle

coconuts, which are the archetypal local ingredients of any good Maldivian meal.

Visitors can also experience the local culture through music and dance performances by villagers from surrounding islands. It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation – with influences from as far afield as India, Africa and even Arabia – and a reflection of the diversity of Maldivian culture. Offering a range of accommodation options, visitors can stay in guest houses, luxurious liveaboards, resorts or hotels.

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Destinations

Germany

German National Tourist Board / EU2350

With greater country-wide connectivity, world-renowned vibrant cities and a range of cultural and natural attractions, it is little wonder that Germany is a popular tourism destination.

Home to medieval castles, Roman ruins, epic forests and grand palaces, the country has an offering that can rival any destination in the world.

When it comes to the big cities, Munich’s year-round calendar of events, Hamburg’s ongoing renaissance and multicultural Frankfurt continue to draw visitors of all ages.

The capital, Berlin, is home to iconic locations such as Brandenburg Gate, which has played a major role in Germany’s history.

Prepare for a dizzying array of remarkable experiences in Germany as it tempts tourists with soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, striking architecture and grand palaces

Neuschwanstein Castle

Home to medieval castles, Roman ruins, epic forests and grand palaces, Germany has an offering that can rival any destination in the world Dresden

tourists before the pandemic. The hospitality industry was quick to react to the increase in arrivals, with a host of new hotels set to open in the coming years.

With a change in strategy resulting from the coronavirus crisis, Germany has been working closely with travel partners to ensure that necessary safety measures are being implemented to provide a safe environment for travellers once restrictions have been lifted.

Through its efforts, the country aims to reiterate Germany’s proposition as a cultural and outdoor holiday destination with an abundance of natural parks, historic sites and attractions for all types of travellers.

Berlin

Aside from the major towns and big cities, there is plenty to explore from the Alps in Bavaria to the quaint villages in the Black Forest.

There are also must-attend events like Oktoberfest, while the Christmas markets each December perfectly embody the festive spirit.

With so much on offer, it is no surprise to learn that the country was attracting an increasing number of

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Tourism Authority / ME4410, ME4440, ME4408

One of the biggest stories of 2019 was Saudi Arabia opening its doors to tourism. Since then, interest in this fascinating country has only skyrocketed and its momentum remains unaffected by the pandemic.

A land of heritage, culture and natural wonder, there is much to discover across the vast landscape of the kingdom, beyond the inland city of Riyadh and the coastal city of Jeddah.

From its Red Sea coast to its majestic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this has long been a place of intrigue.

Among some of the destinations being highlighted is Al Ahsa in the east of Saudi Arabia. This lush green landscape is a world away from the sand dunes and arid desert plains of the Empty Quarter. Nestled between Riyadh and Dammam, and stretching into the Rub’ Al Khali, Al Ahsa is home to one of the world’s largest natural oases and is now a UNESCO-listed city.

To the country’s north-west, the town of AlUla beckons with its rugged beauty and historic sites, thanks to which it is now being dubbed as the “second Petra”.

AlUla

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The birthplace and spiritual home of Islam, Saudi Arabia is rich in natural beauty, cultural attractions and religious sites, offering visitors plenty to discover across its diverse landscape

Diriyah

nation easier than ever before. These revolutionary changes helped open up the warm hospitality of Saudi’s people and its centuries-old history to the world.

As the travel industry bounces back, religious tourism is expected to remain the bedrock of the sector over the next decade, with a goal of attracting 30 million pilgrims to the kingdom by 2030, an increase of 11 million from the 19 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who visited the country in 2017. In alignment with Vision 2030, the country

From its Red Sea coast to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Saudi Arabia has long been a place of intrigue Taking shape north-west of Riyadh is a new cultural destination that encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, which is known as the birthplace of the kingdom.

Upon completion, the development will feature world-class entertainment, retail and hospitality options with a diverse collection of museums and cultural institutes at its heart.

Before the pandemic, the online visa system – available to nationals from 49 countries – made travel to this ancient

has set aside US$64 billion to invest in culture, leisure and entertainment projects over the next decade, which will significantly add to the attractiveness of the kingdom as a tourist destination.

The highly anticipated Red Sea project, located 500 kilometres north of Jeddah, is undoubtedly one of the jewels in the crown for this exciting new destination. It is projected to have an annual visitation of 800,000 people upon completion with a cap of one million visitors per year.

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“Technology and services that deliver the concierge of the future, right here today”

 Your time is precious and in limited supply, which is why myconcierge only curates the best experiences and service providers for you to enjoy.

We promise personalised, relevant and tailored services, 24/7 and 365 days per year.

Equipped with our Black Book of service providers, our concierge team is able to: • • • • • • •

Consult with members in person Publish member suggestions online and to individual members’ areas (accessed by secure login) Record preferences in our custom CRM Send out member surveys to populate profiles and create personalised recommendations Live chat online Send itineraries and payment links Handle inbound calls to 800-CONCIERGE or private line (VIP only)

Our team raises the benchmark for concierge services and lifestyle management.

To find out more, visit Stand TT1024 offers flexible member solutions for corporate, government and hospitality clients. Our prestigious client list includes government offices, real estate management companies and global payment solution providers.

Our proprietary technology and service charter is now being used by concierge and lifestyle management companies across the globe, providing international support to clients travelling to the destinations that we serve and ensuring a common and transparent cooperation among our concierge partners.

Our expertise includes:

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Vox Pops

What the exhibitors say...

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A selection of exhibitors share their goals and ambitions for this year’s show

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GUY HUTCHINSON President & CEO

RAKI PHILLIPS Chief Executive Officer

MICHAEL ZAGER Chief Operating Officer

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM - ABU DHABI “We are honoured to be part of this year’s edition of ATM. The event not only gives us hope for the recommencement of some of the industry’s most important happenings, but it also provides us with a platform to showcase our numerous achievements over the past year. From expanding our tourism offerings to uplifting and enhancing our safety protocols and procedures to become the world’s safest city, Abu Dhabi is fully prepared to cautiously welcome international visitors again – this is largely what we hope to demonstrate.”

ROTANA HOTEL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION “We are delighted to see the comeback of ATM and we hope to reconnect with key industry stakeholders, forge new alliances and showcase our plans for the future. The global pandemic has fundamentally altered life as we know it. Travel and tourism, in particular, have been hit hard. As hotels around the world gear up for the return of international travel, our industry is adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. Trust and confidence will emerge as the most important currencies among travellers in the post-pandemic landscape.”

RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY “This edition of ATM is especially significant following what has been a truly disruptive year. It will provide an opportunity for the industry to come together and mutually benefit from discussions on best practices, recovery protocols and next steps to drive recovery. At this year’s event, we will focus on strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, initiating discourse with potential new partners in the hospitality, aviation and travel sectors and drawing from industry insights on navigating 2021 and beyond.”

HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT HOLDING (HMH) LLC “We, at HMH, the specialised dry sector hotel management company, are excited to be showcasing our ECOS brand, which was developed as a millennialcentric lifestyle hotel while equally presenting a management solution to owners wanting to address this market gap. At ATM 2021, the aim is to showcase all five of our brands and also highlight our local knowledge and clear understanding of guests’ varying expectations in order to serve our owners’ evolving requirements especially in this new landscape we are living in.”

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ALI AL SHAIBA Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing

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LIAM FINDLAY General Manager

PHILLIP JONES Chief Destination Marketing and Management Officer

GAVIN M. FAULL Chairman & President

SUMATHI RAMANATHAN Vice President – Market Strategy & Sales

EXPERIENCE HUB “Over the past year, Yas Island has developed robust safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of our guests and we’ve been working closely with our trade partners across the globe in preparation for reopening. ATM is a great platform to meet our partners and highlight our new developments, which include the opening of Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Etihad Arena as well as new attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. We will also announce our Kids Go Free summer offer for the domestic market, which we will soon extend to international visitors.”

ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA (RCU) “Despite the challenges of the year, AlUla has welcomed thousands of visitors keen to rediscover the heritage and culture of one of Saudi Arabia’s tourism highlights.

At ATM, our goal is to position AlUla as a year-round tourism destination and raise awareness of its rich history, culture and heritage as well as the increasing range of accommodation, adventure, culinary and wellness options for all visitors. We look forward to creating new business opportunities with the top stakeholders and travel trade industry makers in the region.”

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL “Although the crisis is far from over, participation in Arabian Travel Market 2021 is a great way to prepare for the recovery of the hospitality sector.

At Swiss-Belhotel International, our business strategy is focused on responsible recovery while delivering value to all. We look ahead to a dynamic future by relentlessly pursuing new opportunities and reinforcing our presence in existing markets. On this occasion, we would like to thank our owners, guests and associates for their continued support and trust.”

EXPO 2020 DUBAI “As the largest global gathering of travel and tourism professionals in the world, we hope to inspire the industry to maximise the opportunity of Expo 2020 Dubai in order to jointly drive business and visitation to this historic event, which will open its doors on October 1, 2021. Expo 2020 Dubai caters to every visitor group, including leisure, business and educational travel. Also, the ability to customise and offer more than 190 destinations in one place is a golden opportunity for the industry to stimulate travel.”

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